Mike Trout scratched from game with left elbow contusion

Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (center) reacts after being hit by a pitch during the fourth inning against the Houston Astros Thursday night at Minute Maid Park. Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Angels' three-time MVP Mike Trout scratched with left elbow contusion

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 4/23/21

Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout was plunked on the left elbow by a pitch in the fourth inning of Thursday's game at the Houston Astros and later left the contest with discomfort:

As Thomas Harrigan noted for the MLB website, the 29-year-old three-time Most Valuable Player was scratched from Friday's lineup with what is being called a left elbow contusion. Trout is considered day-to-day, and general manager Perry Minasian didn't seem too concerned when speaking with reporters ahead of Friday's matchup.

"Just some soreness, so we'll take it day to day," Minasian explained. "It's so early in the season, and there's such a long way to go. One thing about Mike is he loves to play, and it takes a lot to get him out of the lineup, but with where we're at today and the amount of soreness he has, we thought it was best for him to take the day."

According to ESPN stats, Trout was second in MLB with a 1.325 OPS, tied for second with six home runs, and second with a .393 average entering play Friday. It's possible he could pinch-hit Friday night:

Joe Maddon said he believes Mike Trout could be in the lineup as soon as tomorrow and might even be available to pinch-hit tonight.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) April 23, 2021