Mike

Trout

Trout returns to Los Angeles’ lineup at DH and hitting second against the division-rival Rangers on Wednesday night following a three-week absence recovering from a right hamstring strain. The 34-year-old generational talent has delivered 17 homers and seven steals in 74 games this season. The most exciting development here is that Trout will be ready for next week’s Midsummer Classic in his hometown of Philadelphia. It’s his 12th career All-Star selection and first appearance in the actual contest itself since 2019.

Trout continues to make solid progress from the hamstring issue that has seen him miss a little over two weeks. The hope is that the 34-year-old future Hall of Famer will be back in action this week, with Trout mentioning Saturday that his hope is Tuesday or Wednesday. He was voted an All-Star starter, and it seems likely he’ll be participating in that event even with the injury.

Trout is currently on the injured list, but is expected to be activated prior to the event in Philadelphia; a city that fans know holds a special place in the 34-year-old’s heart. Aaron Judge was also voted a starter, but won’t be available due to his injury, with Byron Buxton the third outfielder. They’ll be joined by 3B Junior Caminero, SS Bobby Witt Jr., 2B Ernie Clement, 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr., DH Yordan Alvarez and Shea Langeliers the starting catcher.

Trout went through his normal pregame routine prior to Friday’s showdown against the visiting Red Sox at Angel Stadium and appears on track to return next week without requiring a rehab assignment. The 34-year-old generational talent has been recovering from a hamstring strain that put him on the shelf back on June 18. It also looks increasingly likely that the New Jersey native will be ready for the upcoming Midsummer Classic in Philadelphia in mid-July. If so, it would mark his 12th career All-Star selection and first appearance since 2019.

This being his hometown All-Star Game, Trout was hoping to take part. The All-Star Game itself still might be in play, but while Trout’s hamstring is improving — he did some light jogging today and hopes to resume swinging a bat on Saturday — there isn’t yet a timetable for his return.

Trout told reporters on Thursday that he felt the injury while running to first base in his final at-bat on Wednesday and thought it was a cramp initially. He also admitted to having a scan done and that his overall concern level is very low. The Angels are simply being cautious here and are hopeful that Trout will be able to return when first eligible. Christian Moore was recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake to take his place on the Angels’ active roster.

Trout extended the Angels’ lead in the fifth inning with a two-run homer off Merrill Kelly. He then doubled in the sixth to plate one more run. That’s back-to-back games with a home run for Trout and his 17th of the season while hitting .233/.393/.473 with 54 runs scored, 36 RBI, and seven steals across 331 plate appearances.

After five straight hitless games from June 3-8, Trout has now put together a six-game hitting streak to push his average back up to .230. The homer off Ryne Nelson tonight was his 16th of the season and the 420th of his career.

Trout knocked a base hit and scored a run in the first inning, then took Casey Legumina deep for a solo homer in the fifth. He later drew a walk in the seventh, then walked and scored in the ninth. The 34-year-old star outfielder is slashing .241/.412/.498 with 14 homers, 45 runs scored, 31 RBI, and five steals across 262 plate appearances.

A really nice day that could have been even better; Trout’s two-run double in the ninth would have been a homer in 18 ballparks, and the lone out he made today was a 108-mph liner right to Wenceel Pérez in right. Also, the Tigers intentionally walked him with runners on second and third in the fifth. Trout is hitting .239/.405/.487 with 13 homers. He scored once today and is tied for fourth in the majors at 41 runs.