Angels Facing Decision After Mike Trout News

Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Angels Facing Decision After Mike Trout News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Xavier Constantino | Last updated Jul 3, 2026 8:38 PM ET

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout ran at 85% on Friday and completed a full hitting routine, per Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register. Trout is expected to hit the field on Saturday.

The Angels center fielder has been out since June 18 with a right hamstring strain suffered running to first base against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Before that, he had been carrying a .234 batting average, 17 home runs, a .472 slugging percentage, and 36 RBIs. His production put him on track as a finalist for his first All-Star Game nod since 2023.

Trout said it's "likely" he'll be back in the lineup at some point during the Angels' upcoming road trip, according to Fletcher, with a Tuesday series opener against the Texas Rangers a possibility.

Mike Trout said he ran at 85% today and did his full hitting routine that he would do if he were playing. He said he’s hitting on the field tomorrow.

He said it’s “likely” he’s in the lineup sometime on the upcoming trip. Maybe even in Texas (the series starts Tuesday)
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) July 3, 2026

That timeline sets up a decision for the Angels: ease Trout back into the lineup as a designated hitter before returning him to the outfield, or slot him right back into the outfield for everyday defensive duty.

The Angels have leaned on Trout's production in the outfield for years, but he's spent the majority of his time at DH in recent seasons, mostly due to injuries. The Angels have relied on a mix of Jose Siri and rookie Christian Moore in the outfield.

The Angels have struggled mightily without their star in the lineup and sit well behind in the postseason race. It's an unfortunate time for Angels fans, as he's already said he's unlikely to take part in the Home Run Derby in Philadelphia. Even his All-Star availability isn't locked in yet.

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout (27)Mark J&period; Rebilas-Imagn Images

Trout's approach to his recovery, taking it step by step and holding off on the Derby, suggests that being fully healthy matters more than rushing to the Midsummer Classic.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: