Angels Reinstate Mike Trout Amid 7-Game Losing Streak

The Los Angeles Angels reinstated All-Star outfielder Mike Trout ahead of their game against the Texas Rangers on Wednesday.

In a corresponding move, the Angels shockingly designated infielder Donovan Walton for assignment.

Trout’s return comes in the middle of a seven-game skid for the Angels, who currently have the worst record in baseball. The veteran suffered a right hamstring strain June 18, and spent a few weeks rehabbing without needing a rehab assignment.

His return is a big one for the Angels, as he had been their best offensive player prior to his injury—and the team has felt it.

Trout has 17 homers on the year, tallying 36 RBIs in the process. His .866 OPS is the second-highest mark on the team, only behind catcher Logan porter—who only stepped up to the plate six times. The former MVP’s return comes just in time for the All-Star Game in Philadelphia, the closest major city to his hometown.

He will bat second for the Angels in their game against the Rangers on Wednesday, aiming to break the Angels’ offense—which has only scored more than three runs on one occasion in their last seven games—out of their slump.

Why Did the Angels Designate Donovan Walton for Assignment?

Walton came to the Angels in the offseason after signing a minor league contract, beginning the season with the Salt lake Bees. He remained in the minors until the end of May, when the Angels called him up.

The infielder played 32 games for the Angels, splitting time between second base, third base and designated hitter, while posting impressive numbers with the bat. Walton hit three homers and logged 12 RBIs during his month and a half in the big leagues, batting .319 over the course of 91 at-bats. He had a .859 OPS during his time with the Angels, which was the third best on the team regardless of qualification status.

While Walton proved an extremely useful depth piece for the Angels, their long-term plans didn’t quite fit with the utility man in the picture. The return of Denzer Guzman to MLB as well as Vaughn Grissom’s return from injury left him without much of a spot.

As for their future plans, Christian Moore is still in the minors, and can fulfill a similar role. Why the Angels chose to DFA him over a different, less effective candidate is a mystery, but perhaps the logjam they have in the infield explains it.

The post Angels Reinstate Mike Trout Amid 7-Game Losing Streak appeared first on LA Sports Report.