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Angels Facing Decision After Mike Trout Setback

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated Jul 26, 2025 9:46 PM ET

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout is a future Hall of Famer, but his career is still one of the biggest "what-ifs" in MLB history.

The three-time AL MVP has been derailed by injuries for the majority of his career. He's reached 140 games played in a season just once since 2018, although the 2020 season was shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, he's played 100-plus games just once since 2021, after playing at least 157 games per season from 2013-16.

Trout has appeared in 78 out of 94 contests this year, but he has exclusively been a designated hitter recently as the team looks to preserve his health. That said, Trout had been going through individual defensive drills in preparation for a return to right field, but has since paused those.

According to Sam Blum of The Athletic, Trout's return to defensive duties has endured a setback due to soreness. Meanwhile, fellow outfielder Jorge Soler said that playing right field has put "wear and tear" on his body.

"I haven't played the OF for a while, for years, then coming here and playing, it's tough," the veteran said.

The Angels Have a Right Field Decision to Make

With both players having ailments, the Angels have a decision to make on who will receive the right field duties. It was nearly two months ago when Angels manager Ron Washington said he anticipated Trout was just days away from a return to the outfield (via Jack Janes of The Sporting Tribune).

Now, the Angels have a problem.

"This is starting to become an issue for the Angels. Clearly, Jorge Soler needs to be a full-time DH," Blum continued. "He's not playing healthy otherwise. But at this point, it's unclear if/when Mike Trout is going to play outfield again. Until then, he'll DH."

This is starting to become an issue for the Angels.

Clearly, Jorge Soler needs to be a full-time DH. He's not playing healthy otherwise.

But at this point, it's unclear if/when Mike Trout is going to play outfield again. Until then, he'll DH. https://t.co/prSmVh5qDW
— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) July 27, 2025

The Angels will likely have to lean on backups Lamonte Wade Jr. and the recently-recalled Gustavo Campero to fill in at right field. Wade is hitting .171, and Campero is hitting .125.

Los Angeles could also slide center fielder Jo Adell to right, but that could force Scott Kingery to start at center, who's hitting .160. Fellow outfielder Chris Taylor re-fractured his hand on a diving play in left field Friday night and hopes to return in September, via MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger.

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

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