Weaver chose No. 27 with Padres so he can hit like Trout

Jered Weaver is about to play in the National League for the first time, and he's taking no chances with his new obligation to step in the batter's box.

The right-hander was officially unveiled as the newest member of the San Diego Padres on Sunday where he revealed he's also changing his jersey number to 27 in order to channel the hitting talents of his former Los Angeles Angels teammate.

"I figured I've got to hit (with the Padres)," Weaver told MLB.com's AJ Cassavell. "I went Mike Trout on them, so maybe that'll help with my hitting. The numbers were slim pickings.

"I texted Trout and asked him if it was OK. He said he couldn't wait to see 27 on my back."

Weaver had worn No. 36 with the Angels since his debut in 2006, which might explain his career .089/.128/.089 slash line in 45 at-bats, so let's hope this change works out for him.