On Tuesday afternoon, the Los Angeles Angels announced that Joe Maddon is out as manager. Former MLB slugger Phil Nevin was named interim manager.
And shortly into Nevin’s debut — or, the beginning of the post-Maddon era — on Tuesday night, a concerning situation developed for the Angels.
Mike Trout was removed from Tuesday night’s game against the Boston Red Sox after hitting a double in the third inning.
Mike Trout was removed from the game after his 3rd inning double. There looked to be some discomfort on his way to first base. pic.twitter.com/RpctAFqAwX
— Brent Maguire (@bmags94) June 8, 2022
The Angels announced that Trout was removed due to left groin tightness.
#Angels OF Mike Trout was removed from tonight's game with left groin tightness
— Angels PR (@LAAngelsPR) June 8, 2022
Trout was 2-for-2, with the other hit being a two-run home run that he crushed in the first inning.
a thing of beauty 🥲#GoHalos pic.twitter.com/qKAZJq8QxH
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) June 8, 2022
One of the best baseball players of all-time being unable to play due to injury is always very lame for the good of the game alone, and it’s particularly brutal for the Angels with how things are going these days.
After being 24-13 at one point, the Angels have lost 12 games in a row and are now 27-29 (Update: The Angels went on to lose on Tuesday, so now it’s a 13-game losing streak). The last thing they need is for a three-time AL MVP to be out.
Trout, 30, has a robust .284/.388/.601 slash line with a 183 wRC+ on the season. He’s been valued at 2.8 wins above replacement (WAR) per FanGraphs over 52 games played.
In 2021, Trout only played 36 games due to a torn muscle in his right calf.
Hopefully, the latest injury isn’t nearly as serious.
About Matt Clapp
Matt is an editor/writer at The Comeback and Awful Announcing.
He can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.