Andrew Velazquez will remain the primary shortstop when Fletcher is activated from the injured list, Manager Joe Maddon says.
ANAHEIM ― The Angels’ Opening Day shortstop could be their starting second baseman in short order.
Fletcher’s replacement at shortstop, Andrew Velazquez, has been credited with four Defensive Runs Saved – one shy of the MLB lead – in a mere eight games. Velazquez, a 27-year-old journeyman, got his ninth consecutive start at shortstop on Friday against the Baltimore Orioles. Fletcher got the plurality of his starts at second base in 2021. Prior to that, he was a jack-of-all-trades utilityman, appearing at no fewer than four defensive positions from 2018-20. Second base is considered Fletcher’s best position; he was credited with 11 DRS there in 2021, when Maddon openly lobbied for Fletcher to win a Gold Glove award.