WASHINGTON — Angels second baseman Christian Moore’s growth has been more incremental than explosive. Yet moments like Friday’s seventh inning against the Washington Nationals reveal plenty of progress.
Asked to bunt with runners on first and second and none out, Moore fouled one off before taking three balls from Nationals ace Cade Cavalli. After another fouled bunt attempt, Moore smacked an RBI single to chase Cavalli and give the Angels a momentary lead.
“Obviously, I definitely want to get those bunts down,” Moore said Saturday. “That was my job before two strikes and I had a chance to do it twice and fouled two off. So from there, I’m just trying to put the ball in play and move the runners. I think me bunting and being in there helped me kind of track some pitches and was able to see a sweeper a little up and was able to put a good swing on it.”
Washington would rally to win 4-3, but Moore still ended up with his second multi-hit outing in three games thanks to a run-scoring double in the ninth. In his 21 previous major-league games this season, Moore had one two-hit game.
“I think all of it comes down to getting reps, being out there every day, seeing things, sharing things,” the 23-year-old said. “I think if you fast forward from last year to this year, I feel a lot better just being up here, being with the guys, familiar faces and stuff like that.”
The Angels took Moore with the eighth pick in the 2024 draft, and he debuted less than a year after he was selected. He’s had two stints with the Angels this season. He was up for a little more than a week in June, and has played every day since his Aug. 22 call-up from Triple-A Salt Lake.
Moore didn’t instantly provide an offensive spark upon rejoining the team, but he was hitting .316 (6 for 19) in his last five games entering Saturday’s contest at Nationals Park.
“Since he came back up, it’s been gradual, but I think it’s more feeling that he’s going to get a little bit of a runway to get some opportunities to play,” Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said. “He came up last year and was playing left field, which is not his position. I think being at his position at second base has a lot to do with him being a little bit more comfortable.”
Suzuki believes the seventh-inning pivot from bunting to delivering in a different way is a sign of maturity. It also was the latest bit of assurance for Moore as he continues the process of establishing himself in the majors.
“It definitely feels good,” Moore said. “Obviously, you want to win and feel a little better. But definitely knowing my approach yesterday was good. Each day is different, but yesterday’s worked and we check it off and when I face those guys again, I know that works.”
Kikuchi settling back in
While Yusei Kikuchi labored through four innings Friday against Washington’s patient lineup, the left-hander’s otherwise solid outing continued an upward trend since his return from the injured list.
Kikuchi missed nearly four months with left shoulder tightness, but is 1-2 with a 3.27 ERA in four starts since rejoining the Angels’ rotation. He’s struck out 21 in 22 innings while lowering his season ERA from 5.81 to 4.75.
“I think the stuff’s there,” Suzuki said. “I think the consistency is starting to come back. I think with Kikuchi, his routine and his work ethic, all that stuff is top-notch. I think in time as he gets better and better, more comfortable coming back, he’s only going to get better. It’s been nice having him back.”