Bandy maturing under former catcher Scioscia

ANAHEIM — When Angels manager Mike Scioscia has a positive and upbeat outlook for a catcher, they must be doing something right.

Just look at rookie Jett Bandy.

Bandy felt fortunate just to be picked in the 31st round of the 2011 Draft. Now, he’s making the most of his opportunity to earn a role as the Angels’ primary catcher.

“For me to get drafted, to have a chance, I know once I started my professional career, I always felt like I had something to prove, and I wanted to show them that I could play at the big league level,” said Bandy, who has started nearly half of the team’s games since being promoted from the Minor Leagues in May when Opening Day starter Geovany Soto went on the disabled list with a knee issue.

In Scioscia’s eyes, Bandy continues to prove he belongs in the Majors. That became evident when Angels management decided to keep Bandy around when Soto returned from the DL in June.

“We’ve seen him really embrace the defensive part of his game,” said Scioscia, noting Bandy’s improvement handling game plans and the pitching staff. “He has a terrific arm, and he’s working hard back there with all the things that a catcher needs to do. I think you can see in his bat, he has some pop, and he’s swung the bat well.”

Bandy, 26, has hit .261/.310/.472 with six doubles, eight home runs and …

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