Mike Trout Still Battling Flu

Los Angeles Angels top prospect Mike Trout has been battling flu-like symptoms since arriving to spring training.  According to Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register, Trout is still not “feeling normal” and has dropped 10 pounds as a result of the virus.  While it was already a long shot that the 20-year-old break camp with the Angels, the virus has all but eliminated any hope Trout may have had of starting the season with LA.

Trout, who’s continued to participate in workouts despite his illness, told Plunkett that the virus has left him feeling weak and feverish with no appetite.  This has resulted in his weight loss, and Angels manager Mike Scioscia has said that it will be “a number of days yet” before Trout makes his spring training debut.

Entering camp, Trout’s chances of making the Angels Opening Day roster were already slim-to-none.  While Trout was called up by the Angels last season, there is currently no spot available for the top prospect.  LA is set at all three outfield positions with Torii Hunter and Vernon Wells manning the corners and Peter Bourjos in center.

With both Bourjos and Trout under team control, many have speculated that the Angels will look to deal their veteran center fielder.  The Washington Nationals have expressed interest, but no agreement has been reached and Bourjos remains an Angel.

Though he has the ability to play all three outfield positions, the Angels would rather Trout start in the minors than sit the bench at the major league level.

At this point, breaking camp with the Angels is the least of Trout’s worries.  The top prospect said that his main goal is “to get right” physically.  Trout is focused on regaining his strength so that he doesn’t “risk injury” when he does return to action.

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