Angels infielder Johnny Giavotella has never had more than 181 at-bats in any single season. So far in 2015, he has 84, and is likely in line for many more this season.
Giavotella has become the starting second baseman for manager Mike Scioscia, as he has started all but two of the team's 28 games this season. And he has rewarded his skipper's faith by hitting a clean .286 with 12 RBI, including a walk-off double in Wednesday's 4-3 victory over the Mariners. It was his fifth game-winning RBI of the season.
"He's just a tough out," Scioscia said, per MLB.com. "He's been a tough out his whole life, at every level in the Minor Leagues. Now he's getting an opportunity in the big leagues, and he's shown that he gives a tough at-bat every time. It's important to our club. We talk about the guys that we need to get into their game, but Johnny Giavotella has been one of the bright spots."
As long as he stays healthy and productive, Giavotella should easily surpass his career-high of 181 at-bats, among other offensive categories.