Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout is expected to be out six to eight weeks after suffering a right calf strain.
Trout was removed from Monday's game in the first inning against the Indians after limping to third base during an inning-ending popup.
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The three-time MVP winner was having the type of season that has come to be expected of him, hitting .333 with eight home runs and 18 RBIs, while also leading the league with a .466 on-base percentage. As has been the case for much of the 29-year-old's career, Trout's production has not equated to wins for the Angels, who are just 18-22 despite Shohei Ohtani also having an MVP-caliber season. The Angels recently got back Anthony Rendon after a near two-week absence.
Trout heads to the IL for the first time since 2018. Taylor Ward and Juan Lagares are expected to fill the void in center field. The Angels also have a pair of top outfield prospects in the minors -- Jo Adell and Brandon Marsh -- they can consider calling up at some point during Trout's recovery.
"The way I'm looking at is it is this, other guys are going to get he opportunity to play right now to help us ascend into this race properly, and by the time Mike gets back, he'll be ready to go and be fresh into August, September and in the playoffs," Angels manager Joe Maddon told reporters. "He'll be one of the best August acquisitions in history."