Mike Scioscia wasn’t one for small talk when third baseman Kyle Kubitza, who was recalled from triple-A Salt Lake, stopped by the Angels manager’s office Tuesday afternoon.
“He said, ‘Hello, good job this season … have you ever played second base?’ ” Kubitza said. “I’m trying to get on the field and help the team whatever way I can.”
Kubitza was acquired from Atlanta last winter as a possible replacement for free-agent-to-be David Freese in 2016, and he started eight games there in June when Freese was slowed by hamstring tightness.
But with Kaleb Cowart emerging as a third-base candidate and a possible opening developing at second base, Kubitza began working out at second Tuesday, learning the finer points of the position from Angels infield coach Alfredo Griffin.