Angels CF Trout scratched as foot woes continue

Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout was set to return from a right foot injury on Friday night before the club scratched him from the starting lineup prior to the game against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays. Trout was initially in the lineup as the designated hitter and batting second. The team changed plans approximately 1 hour, 45 minutes before game time without immediately providing an explanation.

The American League MVP candidate missed the previous four games and five straight starts due to a neuroma, a nerve issue near the toes. On Monday, he underwent cryoablation, a procedure that uses extreme cold to deaden tissues that are inflaming the nerve area. Trout leads the AL with 45 homers and a .645 slugging percentage. He is batting .291 with 104 RBIs in 134 games.