Johnny Giavotella (photo/Angels.MLB.com)
Johnny Giavotella was a second round draft pick for the Royals back in 2008. He made his major league debut in 2011 and played in 125 games before going to the L.A. Angels last season. In 2015, he played in 129 games and hit a career best .272.
Johnny only had eight homers in 1013 plate appearances heading into Tuesday’s night game.
The 5’8, 185 pound second baseman went 3-for-4, hit a three-run homer off starter Edinson Volquez and scored three times to help the Angels beat the Royals 9-4.
Johnny humbly said this game meant a little more to him.
“I didn’t perform as well as I could have when I was in Kansas City,” Giavotella told reporters after the game. “I know that I underperformed with the opportunity that I had. For me to have a big night like this kind of meant a lot, to kind of prove to them, as well as myself, that I’m capable of playing this game at the highest level.”
The Royals were never concerned with his bat, but his defense. This season, heading into last night’s game he was hitting .136. That average is now up to .188.
“He’s definitely gotten better defensively,” Royals manager Ned Yost said of Giavotella. “He’s always played with a lot of energy. But he’s making strides. You can tell he’s been working really, really hard on his defense. He’s a better all-around player.”