​The Los Angeles Angels announced the reinstatement of All-Star outfielder Mike Trout ahead of their showdown with the Texas Rangers on Wednesday. In a surprising corresponding move, the Angels designated infielder Donovan Walton for assignment. The team’s official channel, Angels PR, confirmed: “Reinstated OF Mike Trout from injured list” and “Designated INF Donovan Walton for assignment.” This update comes as Trout returns in the midst of a seven-game skid that has left the Angels with the worst record in baseball. The veteran outfielder sustained a right hamstring strain on June 18 and spent several weeks in rehab without requiring a rehab assignment, making his return both timely and impactful for a squad that has felt his absence.
Trout’s comeback is significant for the Angels, who had counted on him as their leading offensive force prior to his injury. His contributions this season include 17 home runs and 36 RBIs, with an OPS of .866—second on the team only to Logan Porter, who has had limited plate appearances. Trout’s return also holds extra meaning as the All-Star Game approaches in Philadelphia, the nearest major city to his hometown. He is slated to bat second in the lineup for Wednesday’s game against the Rangers, a strategic move aimed at jump-starting a bats lineup that has struggled to produce runs, scoring more than three in only one of their last seven games.
Walton’s path to the majors began in the offseason when he signed a minor league contract and started the year with the Salt Lake Bees. He spent most of the season in the minors before being called up at the end of May. In 32 games with the Angels, Walton split his time between second base, third base, and designated hitter, delivering solid offensive numbers for a utility role. He hit three home runs and drove in 12 runs in 91 at-bats, posting a .319 batting average and an .859 OPS, the third-best on the team among players with qualified at-bats. Walton’s versatility had made him a useful depth option, but with Denzer Guzman returning to MLB and Vaughn Grissom back from injury, the infield logjam left him without clear playing time.
The Angels’ decision to DFA Walton rather than other candidates remains a topic of discussion. It may reflect the team’s broader infield plans and resource management, particularly with Christian Moore continuing to develop in the minors and potentially serving a similar utility role in the future. The move underscores the front office’s ongoing balancing act as they try to maximize the major league roster while integrating talented prospects into a cohesive, 26-man squad.
In the bigger picture, Trout’s reintegration into the lineup could serve as a catalyst for the Angels’ offense as they attempt to halt their current slide. With Trout back in the mix, the team hopes to rediscover its offensive rhythm and provide a spark at the top of the order. His proximity to a return in time for the midseason showcase adds an extra layer of urgency and motivation for both players and fans as they look to climb out of the cellar and make a more competitive run in the second half of the season. The post Angels Reinstate Mike Trout Amid 7-Game Losing Streak appeared first on LA Sports Report.