The Los Angeles Angels are facing another game without Mike Trout, who is listed as day-to-day because of an illness. Trout missed Friday’s matchup and is also expected to sit out Saturday’s game, marking his second consecutive absence from the lineup. The three-time MVP last played in Thursday’s series finale against the Texas Rangers, where he went 1-for-4 with two strikeouts.

Impact on Angels’ Performance and Lineup Changes

Without Trout, the Angels dropped their second straight game after losing the series opener against the Chicago White Sox on Friday. In response to the absence, Bryce Teodosio will make his 2025 debut, batting ninth and covering center field on Saturday. Teodosio has impressed offensively at Triple-A this season with a .321 batting average and an .859 OPS over 16 games.

Season Context and Playoff Prospects

This year, Trout holds a .235/.362/.461 slash line and an OPS of .823. Although he had an exceptional May, his performance has tapered off in June, with a July batting average near .247. After a quiet trade deadline where the Angels added only two veteran relievers, the team currently trails by 5.5 games behind the final American League Wild Card spot. Catching up will require a significant push as many AL teams strengthened their rosters recently.

Looking Ahead for the Angels’ Postseason Chances

The Los Angeles Angels will need a strong performance over the next two months to end baseball’s longest postseason drought. Trout’s return to full health could provide clarity on the team’s potential for a playoff run, but the challenges facing the Halos remain substantial heading into the season’s second half.

“No Mike Trout (illness) in the lineup for a second straight game. He was not at the ballpark last night.” — Insider