Angels’ Mike Scioscia not worried about shaky defense

Alberto Callaspo’s second-inning fielding error Saturday was his seventh in June and eighth of the season, leaving him just four short of his total from all of last season.

But Angel Manager Mike Scioscia said he hasn’t lost confidence in his third baseman.

“He’s a terrific fielder. He’s as good as there is on playing the hop, coming in or backing off. And his arm is usually spot-on as far as accuracy and strength,” Scioscia said of Callaspo. “We’re just seeing some plays that’s he’s made that are maybe a little bit tougher than routine. He’s made them effortlessly in the past, just not quite handled them this year.

“But when it’s all said and done, Alberto’s a terrific defensive third baseman. He’s not going to get every play. But there’s probably a couple more that have slipped through recently.”

The Angels are second in the American League and third in the majors with 55 errors this season. And Callaspo’s miscue Saturday led to the 22nd unearned run the team has allowed. But he’s not the only fielder having problems.

Josh Hamilton’s five errors are two more than any other big-league right fielder and just two shy of his career high, set last season. Second baseman Howie Kendrick, with eight errors in 76 games entering Sunday, is also on pace for a career high in errors.

“You’re going to have rough patches in every area of the game,” Scioscia said. “You’re going to have some issues where you’re not full go.”

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