Angels’ Trout out of lineup vs. Brewers due to groin strain

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Mike Trout is hopeful he won’t be out of the Los Angeles Angels‘ lineup for long, but he remains cautious since it is early in the season.

The star outfielder was out of the lineup Wednesday night against the Milwaukee Brewers in order to rest the right groin he strained Tuesday night.

“It was really sore yesterday but not as sore today,” said Trout, who received treatment and did not take batting practice. “Missing a couple games this early in the season is not that big of a deal.”

Trout added that he was pleased with the progress made overnight, which is why he thinks he won’t be out for long. The Angels have Thursday off before beginning a three-game series Friday in Chicago against the Cubs.

Trout, who signed a record $426.5 million, 12-year contract near the end of spring training, is second in the AL with a .406 batting average. The two-time MVP is tied for third in home runs (five) and tied for fourth in RBIs (12). He has reached base safely in all 12 games.

Weather could play a factor though in when Trout could return, especially if it is cold and windy.

Trout said he had not looked at the weather forecast, but manager Brad Ausmus said it will be a factor and taken into consideration.

“There is a big stretch of 17 games coming up. You want to be out there for the whole season but you have to be smart,” Trout said. “The trainer said if I pushed it (during Tuesday’s game) that it could get a lot worse.”

Brian Goodwin moved to center field and David Fletcher got the start in left in the series finale.