The Los Angeles Angels have recently snapped their losing streak against the New York Yankees with back-to-back shutout victories. However, there’s still a lot to prove as the season continues.
A key priority for the Angels moving forward is returning three-time MVP Mike Trout to his spot in the outfield.
Mike Trout missed nearly the entire month of May after sustaining a bone bruise in his surgically-repaired knee in late April. Since his return on May 30, he’s posted a strong .317 batting average, along with two home runs and nine RBIs.
While his offensive performance has improved since the layoff, Trout has been limited to designated hitter duties. Although the intention remains to gradually work him back into a defensive role, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reports that Trout’s return to right field has been temporarily put on hold.
“The more volume we did, it got more sore,” Trout said. “We’re just trying to make sure that it didn’t get to a point where it got worse every single day. We’re trying to build on it. They pulled me back a little bit. When I get to a point where I have a few days and it feels good, not getting real sore, we’ll go out there and start practicing in the outfield.”
Trout still urged the public that he wants to return to right field, but that his priority is his body.
“Obviously, I want to be in the outfield, but I’ve got to listen to my body,” Trout said. “Right now, it’s being in the lineup as the DH. As much as I want to be in the outfield, I’m just excited I’m in the lineup.”
Health and performance will be the two key factors for Mike Trout moving forward, and at the moment, he’s in a good place on both fronts. If the team continues to take a cautious approach with his return to the outfield, it looks like Jorge Soler — along with a brief stint from newly acquired LaMonte Wade Jr. — will continue to handle duties in right field for the time being.
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