Hamilton returns, Trout makes early exit in Angels’ loss

The Los Angeles Angels welcomed Josh Hamilton back to their lineup today. The Angels’ outfielder had been on the disabled list since April 8 when he tore a ligament in his left thumb while sliding headfirst into first base. He was activated before Tuesday’s game in Houston against the Astros.

Hamilton was on a tear before getting injured batting .444 with two home runs and six RBI in the first eight games of the season. Tuesday night he was 1-3 with a solo home run, a strike out and a walk.

Unfortunately for the Angels, while they welcomed back their former American League MVP, they lost another key player to injury. Mike Trout, who had missed the last two games with back stiffness, was forced to leave the Tuesday’s game after striking out in the first inning. He reported having “mid-back discomfort” according to the Los Angeles Times.

It is not yet clear if Trout is going to need time on the disabled list or not. Trout is arguably the best player in baseball and has been slated by many to be the AL MVP in 2014.  He finished second in the MVP voting each of the last two seasons to the Detroit Tigers’ Miguel Cabrera.

The 22-year old Trout was batting .294 with 11 home runs and 38 RBI going into tonight’s game.

The Angels ended up losing Tuesday’s game to the Astros by the score of 5-2.