Angels Make Major Mike Trout Move After Loss to Yankees

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated May 29, 2025 9:46 PM ET

The Los Angeles Angels have lost five straight games following their impressive eight game winning streak. Having just been swept by the New York Yankees, the Angels are heading on a six-game road trip that begins with a three-game series against the Cleveland Guardians starting on Friday.

Playing the entire month of May without superstar outfielder Mike Trout, who suffered a left knee bone bruise on April 30 against the Seattle Mariners, the Angels have been patiently awaiting his return. The last several days have brought reports of Trout facing live pitching and running the bases, but no concrete news on his return date was revealed.

This changed on Thursday. After the Angels optioned Matthew Lugo to Triple-A, there was speculation growing among the fanbase that the move was to clear room for Trout's return. Jeff Fletcher of SoCal News Group confirmed that to be the case.

"Yes, this does mean the Angels are activating Mike Trout tomorrow in Cleveland, per source," Fletcher wrote, posting the screenshot of LA's Lugo move. "He’s been out since May 1."

Yes, this does mean the Angels are activating Mike Trout tomorrow in Cleveland, per source.

He’s been out since May 1. pic.twitter.com/ZS7zhY1yjZ
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) May 30, 2025

At the time of his injury, Trout was hitting a career-worst .179 in 106 at-bats, but did have nine home runs and 18 RBIs. His return will give the Angels some much-needed lineup stability. In this five-game losing streak, LA has failed scored more than two runs in a single game. The team managed just three total runs in the three-game sweep against New York.

Trout's return comes with the Angels 5.5 games back of first place in the AL West.

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

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