Shohei Ohtani and more: 3 takeaways from Los Angeles Angels spring training

Angels spring training: Different looks in the infield

With David Fletcher playing for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic, the Angels are looking at Gio Urshela and Andrew Velazquez getting the majority of reps at shortstop during this portion of spring training. The 31-year-old Urshela, acquired in a trade this offseason with the Minnesota Twins, drew the start at shortstop on Wednesday against the Milwaukee Brewers.

In his seven MLB seasons, Urshela has 43 games at shortstop and 548 at third base. However, with Anthony Rendon holding down the hot corner, Urshela could see plenty of action there this season.

“They’re all going to get an equal shot this spring, and then when Fletcher is back, he’ll be out there as well,” manager Phil Nevin said on Wednesday. “With those guys gone (to the World Baseball Classic), it’ll give us an opportunity to see Gio over there and to see Drew over there. Both of those guys have been getting work in. We’re excited to see Gio out there and he’s excited to go out there and get some reps during the game.”

Nevin said his middle infield (including Luis Rengifo and Brandon Drury as well) could be a mix-and-match situation this season.

“They’re all very capable of playing out there,” Nevin said. “There are going to be tough decisions every day. They’re good decisions to have, but we’re going to have some quality dudes on the bench a lot of nights.

“As we get into the flow of the season, it will work itself out. Everyone is going to look at a big picture on Opening Day, but I know that the truth is that a couple of guys who should be starting on Opening Day won’t be and that’s just the way it is.”