Trout back in lineup after missing 3 games with groin strain

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Mike Trout is back in the Los Angeles Angels lineup after missing three games because of a right groin strain.

Trout was listed as the designated hitter and batting second for the Angels’ series opener Monday night at Texas.

After missing a weekend series at the Chicago Cubs, Trout was seen by Dr. Steve Yoon in Los Angeles for the second time in three days Sunday. The team said ultrasound images showed further improvement to his groin and that Trout reported continued improvement.

The two-time AL MVP has five home runs this season, all of those coming in a four-game home series April 4-8 against the Rangers. He is hitting .406 and also has 12 RBIs in his 12 games.

Trout, who signed a record $426.5 million, 12-year contract near the end of spring training, first felt discomfort after working out before last Tuesday’s home game against Milwaukee. The injury flared up while he was running to second base in the second inning that night