The Los Angeles Angels return to Globe Life Field on Wednesday looking to bounce back after an 8-3 loss to the Texas Rangers in the series opener. The defeat was the Angels’ seventh consecutive loss, dropping them to 36-56, the worst record in the American League West and 11 games behind the division-leading Seattle Mariners. With the All-Star break fast approaching, Los Angeles is desperately searching for something positive to build on after another difficult stretch.
One of the biggest questions surrounding the club over the past three weeks has been the status of Mike Trout. The three-time American League MVP has not played since June 17, when he strained his right hamstring while running to first base during an 8-1 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Before the injury, Trout was batting .234 with 17 home runs, 36 RBIs, an .866 OPS, 54 runs scored and 66 walks through 74 games.
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The injury landed Trout on the 10-day injured list and ultimately kept him sidelined for 17 games, forcing the Angels to continue without their biggest star during another losing skid.
Ahead of Wednesday’s game in Texas, the Angels made the move fans had been waiting for, officially reinstating Trout from the injured list. Trout will start at designated hitter against the Rangers.
The timing is especially significant because Trout is now expected to be healthy for next week’s MLB All-Star Game, marking what would be his first appearance in the Midsummer Classic since 2019.
Although the 12-time All-Star has remained one of baseball’s best players in the years that followed, injuries repeatedly prevented him from taking part in the showcase.
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While the Angels are almost certainly not in contention for the AL West title, getting Trout back provides a welcome boost for both the lineup and the clubhouse. Los Angeles will now hope he stay healthy as the club looks to snap its seven-game losing streak against Texas on Wednesday.
