OAKLAND, Calif. _ Mike Trout missed his fifth consecutive game Wednesday with a tight left hamstring, but the Los Angeles Angels continued to profess hope he will return soon. At the Oakland Coliseum, the star center fielder tested the muscle in a series of pregame exercises with team trainer Adam Nevala and did not appear troubled.
"We're hoping that he comes out of it great today, works out tomorrow pregame and can play," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "But we don't want to miss any steps. So we won't be overly aggressive today to where we're setting him back."
Trout passed a batting practice test Tuesday, and Scioscia said he has no restrictions swinging.
"Again, we'd consider a DH," the manager said. "But a hamstring is just a different animal. It's tough to sit down and stay warm in between DHing. But if it comes to pass where he needs a couple days to manage this, we'll consider that."
Angels trainers decided not to allow Trout to appear off the bench Tuesday, but he was resolute in his readiness for Thursday's series opener against Detroit.
"I'm coming in tomorrow thinking I'm going to play," Trout said.
