Mike Trout started the 2016 season on an uncharacteristic slump. Before yesterday’s game against the White Sox, the Angels center fielder was hitting .220 (the worst through 14 games since his rookie season) and had only four extra base hits and a single, lonely dinger to his name. He’s really struggled hitting off-speed stuff this season, and naturally, people have started to cede the Best Young Player in the game mantle to Bryce Harper.
Harper has been on an unholy tear this season (he hit another donger today!), and I don’t want to make any historical arguments, but Trout has quietly woken up this week. He went 3-for-4 against the mighty Chris Sale yesterday, and followed it up with a 2-for-2, two-walk performance today. Most importantly, my man hit a big ole dinger.
Trout has always struggled to hit John Danks, so today’s performance is all the more impressive. The Angels are under .500 in a competitive division, but they won’t have to worry about Trout.