Angels Manager Reveals Why Mike Trout is Out of Sunday's Lineup vs. Guardians

May 31, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Mike Trout (27) stands on deck in the fourth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images | David Richard-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Angeles manager Ron Washington revealed why superstar Mike Trout is out of Sunday's lineup.

Read more: Mike Trout, Yoan Moncada Out of Angels Lineup vs Guardians Sunday

Trout returned from the injured list Friday ahead of the series opener against the Cleveland Guardians, but the trainers' plan for the three-time MVP was to get the day off Sunday, according to Washington.

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Jorge Soler will be the team's designated hitter for Sunday's series finale. Meanwhile, Yoan Moncada is also out of the lineup, so the Angels have penciled in Luis Rengifo as the starting third baseman.

Prior to his long-awaited return Friday, Trout had been sidelined since May 1 with a bone bruise in his left knee. The injury was concerning given it was to the same knee that was surgically repaired twice.

Nevertheless, the three-time MVP returned by the end of the month to the Angels lineup. On Friday, Trout went 1-for-5 as batted in the fifth spot.

On Saturday, Trout recorded three hits, driving in a run with a double.

“He looked good today, and he got it off some good pitchers,” Washington said after Saturday’s game to The Orange Country Register's Jeff Fletcher. “Last night was good. Today was even better. So we’ve just got to hope that he just keeps building.”

Washington isn't looking to put Trout higher in the batting order until he gets more comfortable. The Angels superstar didn't go on any sort of rehab assignment, but instead faced a minor-league pitcher Wednesday.

The plan is for Trout to remain the team's designated hitter for a few more days, as the Angels are taking a cautious approach in sticking him back in the outfield for now.

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