Angels Activate Mike Trout From IL After Hand Injury

Seven weeks after he landed on the injured list with a broken hand, Angels center fielder Mike Trout will finally make his return to the lineup.

Trout suffered the injury on July 3 shortly before the All-Star break, and underwent surgery two days later. He’s missed the team’s last 38 games, a stretch that has seen the Angels slip well behind the back for a playoff spot. Los Angeles entered Tuesday with a 61–64 record, nine games behind the Mariners for the third and final wild-card bid.

During Trout’s absence, the Angels have gone 16–22, seeing their playoff odds shrink from 30.2% to a minuscule 0.4%, according to FanGraphs.

In 81 games this season, Trout had posted a .263/.369/.493 slash line, with 18 home runs and 44 RBIs. His .862 OPS is his lowest since becoming a full-time major leaguer. 

The Angels open a three-game series against the Reds on Tuesday.