When the Washington Nationals face the Los Angeles Angels for a two-game series, they’ll be facing the best player in baseball.
Angels outfielder Mike Trout, healthy again after missing 39 games with a thumb injury, made his return Friday and the Nationals will play him Tuesday and Wednesday in Los Angeles.
Before his injury, Trout was having a monstrous season, even by his standards. In 47 games, Trout racked up 16 home runs and 36 RBIs. He was batting .364/.461/.742.
Trout, 25, was already recognized as the sport’s best player — winning two American League MVPs in his six seasons — but it’s fascinating to wonder what his numbers would look like now if he hadn’t missed 39 games.
“I’m extremely excited,” Trout said about his return, according to The Associated Press. “It’s good to be able to come to the ballpark and see your name in the lineup. It makes you feel good, obviously, [after] all the hard work getting back here.”
The Angels (46-49) managed to stay afloat with Trout hurt. They were 26-27 when he injured his thumb on May 28 and went 19-21 without him. They currently sit fourth in the AL West.
Area to watch: Bullpen help
Joining the Nationals in Los Angeles will be relievers Sean Doolittle and Ryan Madson, who were acquired Sunday from the Oakland Athletics. The Nationals will need to make three roster moves to make room for them and Tuesday’s starter Edwin Jackson.
It’ll be interesting to see who manager Dusty Baker relies on as the team’s closer. The Nationals committed salary now and in the future for Doolittle and Madson. Everyone will be watching to see how they’re able to perform. And if they aren’t able to come in and lift the bullpen, then what?
Danny Espinosa DFA’d
Danny Espinosa was traded to the Angels in the offseason, though the former Nationals shortstop won’t be facing his old team during the series. The Angels designated Espinosa for assignment Saturday.
Espinosa had a league-worst .162 batting average and a .237 on-base percentage among those with at least 200 at-bats.
The 30-year-old was traded to Los Angeles in December in order to play Trea Turner at shortstop.
Series starters
Jackson will get the start Tuesday against Los Angeles’ Jesse Chavez. Gio Gonzalez will be Wednesday’s starter against Ricky Nolasco.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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