Mike Trout came back to the Los Angeles Angels’ lineup in 2025 after missing significant time due to a sore left knee, creating a buzz around the team’s strategy. Rather than resuming his typical role, manager Ron Washington surprised fans by slotting Trout into the fifth spot in the batting order, marking the first time since 2011 that the superstar has batted outside the top three.

With Trout’s return, Matthew Lugo was sent down to Triple-A to allow regular playing time for the veteran. Trout’s last game before the injury was on April 30th, and coming into this return, his slash line stood at .179/.264/.462/.727 with a 30% strikeout rate and nine home runs alongside 18 RBIs. His placement in the fifth slot puts him right behind Jorge Soler, who has struggled this month with a .202/.287/.310/.597 slash and a low isolated power of .107.

Strategic Lineup Adjustments Reflect Manager’s New Approach

Throughout most of Trout’s 2025 appearances, he has been a fixture in the three-hole, starting 27 of 29 games there before his injury. This sudden shift to the middle of the lineup raises questions about Ron Washington’s intentions, especially since Trout has traditionally thrived in the second or third spots. The last time Trout hit below the third spot was when the Angels featured players like Maicer Izturis, Alberto Callaspo, and Vernon Wells.

Trout’s high strikeout rate and unusually low batting average on balls in play (BABIP) suggest his performance has yet to reflect his true capabilities. His exit velocity remains impressively high, signaling that his numbers should improve over time. This situation draws comparison to Taylor Ward, who Washington moved into the three-hole and saw remarkable improvement, leading some to wonder if a similar adjustment for Trout would be beneficial.

Trout to Serve as Designated Hitter While Regaining Form

In addition to the lineup adjustment, Washington confirmed Trout will take on the designated hitter role for at least the next week. This move aims to ease Trout back into full play as he continues recovering from his knee issues and adjusts to playing right field instead of his usual center field position. His defensive metrics have been below average, with a subpar Outs Above Average (OAA) rating and an arm value that needs improvement.

Watching Trout’s performance on the basepaths will also be important as he works to regain his speed and agility. How effectively he runs and contributes in this area during his return game remains a key point of interest for Angels fans and analysts alike.