Mike Trout to the 10-day Disabled List
Mike Trout does not go to the disabled list. Since becoming a full time big league player in 2012, he has always been on the active roster. However, that streak ended May 29, 2017. The Los Angeles Angels officially placed Trout on the 10-day disabled list after he suffered a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb. Trout suffered the injury sliding into second base on May 28 against the Miami Marlins. Prior to this injury, Trout missed games this season with hamstring tightness. While he is nominally on the 10-day DL, this injury may require surgery. A proper estimate for his return is within the six to eight week range.
#Angels CF Mike Trout has torn ligament in L thumb. Surgery an option.
— Mike DiGiovanna (@MikeDiGiovanna) May 29, 2017
Extent of the Injury
This is horrible news for the Angels, as Trout is the best player on the squad and probably in baseball. Trout owns a WAR of 3.5, and a slash line of .337/.461/.742/1.203. He has 55 hits, 16 home runs, and 36 RBI at this point in the season. He leads the Angels in every offensive category.
With Trout out, it will fall to Albert Pujols and Yunel Escobar to carry the offensive load for the Angels. It is a very heavy task for the two players to take on, but there are very few options. However, neither player’s WAR is close to Trout’s. They simply do not combine for the same amount of offense that Trout has provided.
Open Roster Space
The Angels do not have a lot of prospects available in their farm system to take Trout’s place. Rather, Nate Smith (LHP) and Keynan Middleton (RHP) are currently hurling for Triple-A Salt Lake Bees. Middleton has plus stuff and is nearly ready to start in the show. Smith’s stuff is not as good, but he is nearing his estimated potential ceiling, and could help the Angels bullpen.
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