Associated Press
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Mike Trout is still expected to play in next week’s All-Star Game despite dealing with upper back spasms.
The Los Angeles Angels superstar wasn’t in the lineup for Wednesday’s 7-1 win against the Astros and could miss at least the next two games. Trout exited Tuesday’s 6-5 loss to Houston during the fifth inning.
The three-time American League MVP was selected earlier this month to appear in his 10th All-Star Game, which will take place Tuesday at Dodger Stadium.
“We’ve talked to him about that,” trainer Mike Frostad said Wednesday. “He’s expected to be available for that game. He’s been dealing with a lot of stuff throughout the entire year. And, you know, this is just one more thing to add to the pile. He’s got a good pain threshold. He’s played through a lot.”
Frostad said MRI and CT scans on Trout’s back did not show any muscle strains or tightness. Trout first mentioned having back spasms last week while the team was in Miami for a series against the Marlins, the trainer said.
Trout — who is hitting .270 with 24 homers and 51 RBIs — has been bothered by several minor injuries this year. He is 6-for-36 (.167) with 1 homer, 4 RBIs and 16 strikeouts this month for the Angels, who had dropped nine of 10 before Wednesday night’s win.
Astros manager Dusty Baker, who will manage the AL squad, said he discussed Trout’s status with Angels interim manager Phil Nevin during batting practice.
