SEATTLE — Mike Trout was everywhere in the Angels’ clubhouse on Monday afternoon before the opener of the team’s three-game series against the Seattle Mariners.
Yes, the outfielder himself was there, continuing his recovery from a right hamstring strain that has had him on the 10-day injured list as of June 18.
But the three-time American League MVP was also represented on T-shirts worn by just about every player and member of the coaching staff urging fans to vote for their teammate to make it to his 12th career All-Star Game.
The white T-shirts read “Vote Trout” in large red letters and feature a graphic of a just-out-of-water trout wearing a tricorn hat popularized in the American Revolution era surrounded by 11 stars with the years that Trout has been an All-Star in the past (2012-19, 2021-23). Trout didn’t play in the 2021, ’22 and ’23 games because he was hurt, but he was voted in.
The theme of the shirt is a nod to the fact that the 2026 All-Star Game will be played at Citizens Bank Park in the very colonial city of Philadelphia on July 14.
“It’s pretty cool,” said Trout, who grew up in Millville, New Jersey, across the Delaware River from Philadelphia and is a huge fan of that city’s NFL team, the Eagles.
“One of my things when I was coming into spring training, I knew the game was going to be in Philly, so it would be cool to go back.”
Trout, whose last All-Star Game roster appearance came in 2023, added that he was touched by the fact that most of the team rallied to show him the support.
“I love my teammates, and I take care of them and they take care of me,” he said. “We have a tight group, and it’s pretty cool to see that.”
Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said he liked the T-shirts too, although he joked that his didn’t fit because he’s “too jacked.”
“Obviously Mike doesn’t need the extra notoriety and support, because he’s Mike Trout, but I think just having the organization behind you and helping to promote a player like Mike to get to the All-Star Game, I think that’s definitely a great thing,” Suzuki said. “It’s something that we’re proud of, being his teammates, his manager and his coaching staff. It’s something special, no matter if it’s your first All-Game or your 10th.”
It remains to be seen if Trout can get healthy in time to play in the Midsummer Classic if he is voted in. Phase 2 of the voting is underway now and runs until Thursday at 9 a.m. PT.
Trout continued progressing in his baseball activities that saw him jogging on the field, taking swings, and ramping up his running.
“He’s good,” Suzuki said. “He’s getting his workouts in for his legs, he’s hitting in the cage and doing those type of things.”
RODRIGUEZ REHABS
Starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez looked good in his rehab start for Class-A Rancho Cucamonga on Sunday, according to Suzuki. Rodriguez, who has been on the IL since June 15 with low back inflammation, gave up one run on five hits in four innings against Stockton, striking out four and walking one. He threw 57 pitches, 37 for strikes.
Rodriguez remained in Anaheim on Monday, though, and Suzuki didn’t specify what the next steps would be.
“Grayson felt good,” Suzuki said. “He got his work in. Right now, we’re just trying to decide on what’s next in rehab, or if he’s ready. We should figure it out soon.”
JOYCE DOING WELL
Suzuki said reliever Ben Joyce, who hasn’t pitched for the Angels this season and is on the 60-day IL after right shoulder surgery, continues to rehab at the team’s complex in Arizona, where he has been throwing bullpen sessions.
“Ben’s good,” Suzuki said. “He’s progressing, he’s throwing, he’s getting more comfortable, and I don’t even need to tell you the velocity. The velocity is always there. So I think the main thing is he’s feeling good.”
UP NEXT
Angels (RHP José Soriano, 8-4, 3.32 ERA) at Mariners (RHP Bryan Woo, 6-6, 4.26 ERA), Tuesday, 6:40 p.m., ABTV, 830 AM