ESPN News Services
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Mike Trout was scratched from the Los Angeles Angels‘ lineup moments before the start of Saturday night’s 7-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, their final game before the All-Star break.
Trout, a three-time AL MVP, missed his fourth straight game with upper back spasms. He was in the Angels’ posted pregame lineup as the center fielder but was removed about three minutes before the first pitch. Trout said afterward that his back felt wrong while swinging in the cage before the game.
Trout is scheduled to play in the All-Star Game on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium after his 10th selection to the Midsummer Classic. He said after Saturday’s game that he’ll sleep on it before deciding whether to bow out.
Trout is batting .270 with 24 homers and 51 RBIs in 79 games this season, although he has just one multihit game and six total RBIs in the past three weeks.
Taylor Ward moved over from left field to take Trout’s place in center, and Brandon Marsh started in Ward’s place in left.
The Angels have lost 12 of 14 and have been in a 15-40 skid since mid-May after starting the season well.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
