In the midst of another MVP-worthy season from their star outfielder, the Los Angeles Angels heart collectively stopped for a moment on Sunday when Mike Trout exited the game with an injury to his left thumb. But the clubhouse and baseball fans breathed a sigh of relief when the team later announced initial test results determined Trout avoided a fracture in his thumb.
While the news of no fracture to the thumb brings good news, Trout will still undergo further testing on Monday to determine just how long he will be out. It could be a day-to-day injury that would allow Trout to stay off the 10-day disabled list, but no one will know until Monday afternoon.
Losing any star player would be a blow for a team, but no position player in baseball carries the weight and impact that Trout has. Before Sunday's game, he led the majors in home runs (16) and WAR (3.6), Trout also led the American League in on-base percentage (.463), slugging percentage (.752), OPS (1.215), wRC+ (220) and is fifth in stolen bases (nine). Pair that with the Gold Glove caliber defense in center field and Trout is essentially perfection.
If Trout misses time, it would likely lead to Ben Revere seeing every day playing time. It certainly would be a monumental downgrade at the play for the Angels given Revere's .220/.235/.340 line with a .575 OPS. Trout's absence would also cause a hit to the rest of the Angels hitters, including Albert Pujols and Kole Calhoun.
Los Angeles initially received good news from the early test results but they aren't out of the woods yet. When more information becomes available on Trout's status and a potential placement on the disabled list, we'll update you immediately.