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Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout went deep for the second time in as many days in Wednesday's 6-5 loss to the visiting Baltimore Orioles, homering to deep left in the sixth inning. Trout's solo shot got the Halos on the board, but their late comeback attempt fell just short. The 32-year-old perennial Silver Slugger is rewarding those who took the gamble on his discounted ADP during fantasy drafts, slashing a powerful .237/.321/.598 with an MLB-leading 10 big flies, 13 RBI, five stolen bases, and 16 runs scored in 97 at-bats (25 outings). If he stays healthy, Trout should have no problem returning early-round value the rest of the way no matter where he's placed in Anaheim's lineup. He'll get a day off before a three-game series with the Minnesota Twins begins on Friday, and Trout is batting .400 (8-for-20) with a homer, three doubles, six RBI, and six runs scored in six games versus the Twins since 2021.
Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington said that infielder Brandon Drury (hamstring), who is out of the lineup for the third straight game on Wednesday against the Baltimore Orioles, has been feeling soreness from a left-hamstring injury he suffered last week. Washington added that Drury was left out of Wednesday's lineup as a precaution but could pinch hit, if needed. Luis Rengifo is filling in at the keystone and is hitting eighth against Orioles right-hander Dean Kremer. Fantasy managers should consider the 31-year-old Drury as day-to-day for now, but if his hamstring soreness lingers, he could eventually land on the injured list. Drury has been a non-factor offensively for the Halos so far this year, going 13-for-66 (.197) with one homer and four RBI in 19 games played.
Los Angeles Angels right-handed reliever Robert Stephenson (elbow) said he will have Tommy John surgery with the internal brace on April 30 and he's expecting to have a rehab timeline of 12 to 18 months. The exact nature of his surgery hadn't been revealed until Stephenson talked to the media on Tuesday for the first time since getting injured. We already knew the 31-year-old veteran would miss the rest of 2024, but now we know the exact nature of his surgery. He signed a three-year, $33 million contract with the Halos in January but didn't throw a single pitch in the regular season and also was battling a shoulder injury in spring training. There's no guarantee that Stephenson will be ready to roll for the start of the 2025 campaign.
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout is in center field and hitting out of the leadoff spot on Tuesday versus the visiting Baltimore Orioles and right-hander Grayson Rodriguez. It's a notable development, as Trout will be hitting leadoff for the first time since August of 2020. Perhaps it will get the 32-year-old All-Star going, as he's hitting just .111 in his last seven games after a strong start to the season. This setup with Trout at the top of the batting order could continue until third baseman Anthony Rendon (hamstring) returns from a stint on the injured list. Trout's recent slump at the plate has dropped his season slash line to .236/.327/.562 with an .889 OPS, but he's still leading the league with eight home runs while driving in 11 and stealing five bases in 23 games. In six career at-bats against Rodriguez, Trout is hitting .333.
Los Angeles Angels pitching prospect Caden Dana continues to enjoy Double-A Rocket City. On Sunday, the 20-year-old tossed a career-high seven innings. Over those seven frames, he allowed two hits, no runs, one walk and struck out eight. Dana is currently the Angels top pitching prospect and this is his first go around in Double-A. So far, he has seemed unmatched with a 1.47 ERA to go with 19 strikeouts and just three walks over three starts (18 1/3 innings). Dana has an established fastball and slider, while he has been working on his changeup to add his arsenal. He also has shown good command with his ability to stay in the strike zone. If Dana keeps this going in Double-A, he could rise quicker than expected with the Angels showing no issues with promoting their prospects when they deem ready. For now, Dana is a name for dynasty league managers.