Angels finding remarkable success without Mike Trout

Winning seven games in a row is impressive, but it's how the Angels have accomplished this feat that really stands out: They've done it all without Trout. 

Trout is, predictably, on the shelf as he deals with a bone bruise in his left knee. However, he's close to returning to game action — and perhaps at just the right time as his Halos are heating up. 

Los Angeles is proving it can get the job done without the veteran outfielder, though, thanks to key contributions from catcher Logan O'Hoppe and outfielder Taylor Ward, both of whom have 14 home runs this season. 

Interestingly, the Angels are a middle-of-the-pack offensive team by OPS (.706) this season, and their staff ERA is 5.01 on the season, sixth worst in MLB. Quite simply, Los Angeles seems to be overachieving, and that's a testament to the legendary Ron Washington, whose steady hand is undoubtedly wielding influence over the Halos' clubhouse.

Despite the good vibes in Anaheim at the moment, the 24-25 Angels remain on pace for just 79 wins in 2025, as they've yet to cross back over the .500 threshold even with this current win streak. 

Still, this team was supposed to be a bottom-feeder in the American League. While the Halos may well finish in that position when the dust settles, we can still admire the work Washington has done with the Trout-less Angels thus far.