Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout was removed from a contest against the Houston Astros on Tuesday with upper back spasms. Immediately following the game, he quelled any concerns of a long-term injury, while Phil Nevin said an IL stint was extremely unlikely.
Of course, fans are always weary when a player is removed from a game so suddenly, so they waited anxiously to see Wednesday’s lineup. Trout would proceed to miss Wednesday’s game, but was theoretically available to pinch-hit. The same was true of Thursday, and it rang true again on Friday as the Freeway Series opened up.
Now, for the final game of the first half of the 2022 season, Trout and Nevin have both made it clear that the Angels superstar will be in the lineup. Things can always change, but it appears Trout will make his return after a three-game absence, according to Jeff Fletcher of The O.C. Register:
Phil Nevin said he is planning to play Mike Trout tomorrow, although they’ll still double check how he feels when he wakes up. #Angels
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) July 16, 2022
Trout also just said he is playing tomorrow.
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) July 16, 2022
Getting Trout back would obviously be a huge boost for a lineup that simply has not been able to get anything done recently. Outside of Wednesday’s 7-1 win over the Astros, the Angels haven’t scored more than five runs in a game since June 21.
Even for just one game, Trout can attempt to lift the Angels offense to a victory heading into the All-Star Break. Just about any production would be good for the team’s confidence as they attempt to make a furious comeback in the second half of the season.
Trout’s availability on Saturday also provides hope for the All-Star Game next week. Trout had been saying that it was unlikely he’d miss the Midsummer Classic at Dodger Stadium, but returning now would guarantee his presence in that contest.
Trout is the starting center fielder for the American League and plans to fulfill those duties. For him, it clearly starts with getting back in the lineup against the Dodgers on Saturday night.