Angels don’t want to use Mike Trout at DH: report

The Los Angeles Angels have made it clear that Mike Trout won’t go anywhere. They also reportedly decided that he would not be the team’s next designated hitter. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.

In September Trout expressed his readiness move to the corner outfield spot and spend more time as the DH. However, sources say the Angels plan to limit his appearances at DH.

The Angels answered any questions regarding Trout’s move from outfield to DH when they acquired Jorge Soler from the Atlanta Braves. His main position for the last eight seasons has been striker.

While using Trout as a DH might seem like a good way to keep him healthy, the Angels have their doubts. His last three injuries — a left pectus inflamed in 2022, a left hamate fracture in 2023 and a torn meniscus in his left knee in 2024 — were partly related to swinging, according to team officials.

This is concerning because most designated hitters spend downtime taking extra practice swings, and Trout, known for his perfectionist approach, would likely do the same.

“I think we’re done,” Trout said in September via Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com. “Ultimately, my goal is to be in the box, on the field, every single day. Whether it’s moving to a corner or continuing to DH, I’ll leave it up to the front office to develop a plan. Where I am and what has happened over the last few years, I will definitely try to explore all the options that can keep me there.”

Playing from a corner position in the backfield is still risky, especially when making sudden stops while chasing the ball down the line. For now, however, the Angels seem to prefer Trout in left or right field.

Trout should be ready for spring training, which is when Angels fans will have a better idea of ​​what their superstar’s plans are for 2025.

The center fielder missed most of the 2024 season with a meniscus injury. He initially tore it in late April and had surgery soon after. Although he began rehab over the summer with hopes of returning, his comeback was halted when he re-torn it, officially ending his season.

Trout played 29 games for the Angels, posting a .220/.325/.541 slash line with 10 home runs and 14 RBIs. Before his meniscus injury, he even briefly led the league in home runs.