Angels CF Trout back after three-week absence

Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout was activated from the disabled list and back in the lineup for Friday's game against the Houston Astros, the club announced.

Trout is playing center field and batting third against Houston left-hander Dallas Keuchel.

Trout has been sidelined for more than three weeks for two reasons: a right wrist injury suffered on Aug. 1 and the death of brother-in-law Aaron Cox.

The 27-year-old injured his wrist while making a traditional slide into third base on Aug. 1 in a game against the Tampa Bay Rays. He was expected to return on Aug. 16 but left the Angels for what was termed a family matter a few days earlier.

Cox, a 24-year-old former pitcher in the Angels' minor league system, died on Aug. 15.

Trout called Cox his best friend in an emotional letter he posted Thursday on Instagram.

"You were more than just my brother-in-law ... you were my best friend," Trout wrote in part. "You made such an impact on my life since the day I first met you. You were an amazing person inside & out that showed us all how to live life to the fullest. Seeing and hearing about your impact on other people are all things that made me a better person every single day.

"... You were a great kid and it kills me to know that you are gone... I can't thank you enough for what you have meant to me over these last 11 years. I know you will be watching over me now that you are gone, I promise to take care of your sister and watch over your whole family. Heaven got a great one and I know I will see you again someday... I love you bro!!!!"

Trout has missed the past 19 games due to the injury and life situation. He is batting .309 with 30 homers, 60 RBIs and 21 steals in 109 games this season.

Los Angeles optioned outfielder Jabari Blash to Triple-A Salt Lake in a corresponding move. Blash is 3-for-26 with 16 strikeouts in 15 games with the Angels.

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