The Los Angeles Angels originally had their two leading guys slated to start in the 2023 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, with Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani. But an injury once again took away another opportunity for the long-time star to showcase himself at the Midsummer Classic.
Trout was amongst the leading vote-getters from the original slate of voting, but he fractured his left hamate bone, putting him on the shelf for at least a month. The 31-year-old was having a solid season, and as he was getting into more of a rhythm it looked like more of the same for the former MVP.
He’s been selected to every Midsummer Classic since becoming a full-time starter in 2012. Prior to this injury, Trout expressed serious optimism over his health and was looking forward to starting in his first All-Star Game since 2019, per Jeff Fletcher of the O.C. Register:
“It means a lot, being healthy,” Trout said. “That’s the main goal, getting to play.”
His unfortunate quotes foreshadowed a rough injury, that had no explanation and happened on a random swing. Although he won’t be playing in the Midsummer Classic, Trout has earned the respect among players, and even Angels manager Phil Nevin commented on the 31-year-old, providing some high praise on his recent run of success:
“I still think he’s one of the best players in the game, best players in the world,” Nevin said. “It’s not Mike Trout numbers, if you will, but I still think he’s a game-changing (player). We keep saying this as it’s not like Mike Trout numbers, but look at the board. It’s still in the mid-800’s in OPS. However many home runs he’s got. He’s a game-changer in a lot of different ways.”
With Ohtani going off in his own way, Trout has compiled a healthy 138 wRC+, including 18 home runs, 44 RBI and 54 runs scored. His standing as a fan favorite made him a shoo-in to be named an All-Star starter.
Angels teammate Carlos Estévez ecstatic to be joining All-Star roster
Carlos Estévez has been terrific this season, owning a 1.85 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, with 21 saves in as many opportunities. He remains the only closer with at least 10 save opportunities to have not blown a save.
The 30-year-old showed some frustration when he was left off the roster when the first slate of players was announced, but with Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase missing the game, a slot opened up in the AL bullpen.
Estévez is a perfect 21-of-21 in save opportunities, he earned the right to pitch late innings in this year’s All-Star Game.
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