Trout’s All-Star return looks close after 2019 absence

Mike Trout’s – Mike Trout is on pace to return to baseball’s All-Star Game for the first time since 2019, a comeback Angels manager Kurt Suzuki called “great for baseball.” His return comes alongside roster moves after Grayson Rodriguez went on the injured list with lower ba

PHOENIX — The first returns for All-Star balloting landed Monday, and Mike Trout’s name was there again, second in the American League among outfielders with 926,601 votes. Only Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees slugger, had more.

For Angels manager Kurt Suzuki, that’s the kind of reminder baseball doesn’t want to lose. Trout is on track to make his first All-Star Game appearance since 2019, and Suzuki said the sight of him back in the voting matters.

“I think it’s great for baseball,” Suzuki said.

Trout last played in the All-Star Game in 2019. He has been voted into the event in multiple years, but injuries kept him out of the 2021, 2022 and 2023 games. He now leads active players with 11 All-Star selections.

“It’s great for Mike, you know, for him to be recognized again,” Suzuki said. “Obviously, you know, having some tougher years the last couple years.”

Suzuki played two seasons with Trout in 2021 and 2022, and he pointed to something more than production—his routine.

“You really appreciate how he handles himself around the clubhouse with the work he puts in every single day. It’s just been awesome. The one thing, he’s always worked. He was having some injury things. It wasn’t because of lack of work.”

Going into Monday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Trout was slashing .224/.388/.445 with 15 home runs. 32 RBIs. 11 doubles and seven stolen bases. His durability has helped. too: he has played in all but one of the Angels’ 73 games and is on pace to play more games than he has since his last All-Star appearance in 2019.

Philadelphia is the target. The All-Star Game is set for July 14, not far from where Trout grew up in Millville, N.J. The top two vote-getters at every position, and the top six outfielders, advance to Phase 2 of voting, which begins June 29. If an outfielder is the league’s leading vote-getter. the next four outfield finalists move on to Phase 2 to determine the other two starters.

“I think it’s great to see him being back in there (voting) again and people are appreciating what he does for the game.”

Trout has been productive in the event itself. He is 7 for 17 with two homers and four RBIs in the All-Star Game.

For the Angels on Monday, the focus wasn’t only on the future ballot. Their pitching staff also shifted after Grayson Rodriguez was placed on the injured list with lower back inflammation.

Rodriguez was forced to leave Sunday’s 8-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays after 2⅓ innings and 47 pitches. The Angels’ corresponding moves came quickly: they recalled right-hander Jose Fermin. purchased right-hander Brett Kerry from Triple-A Salt Lake. and designated left-hander Drew Pomeranz for assignment.

Suzuki said the IL decision was made carefully.

“I think just out of precautionary,” Suzuki said of Rodriguez’s IL move, “so he doesn’t rush back and make it worse. I don’t think it’s too concerning.”

Suzuki added that he spoke with Rodriguez and said the pitcher didn’t seem alarmed.

“I talked to Grayson today and he didn’t seem concerned about it. He just said it was bothering him for a little bit, and he really felt it on that once pitch. We’ll see how long it takes. Obviously being frustrated, injuries and all that stuff.”

Rodriguez entered the season with a heavy injury history. He is 2-2 with an 8.06 ERA in six starts with the Angels. He had been out with injuries since July 2024, and made his first start this season on May 17.

His next scheduled turn comes Thursday against the Athletics in Sacramento. Suzuki said no decision has been made on who will fill that spot.

Pomeranz’s run with the Angels also ended Monday. He was 0-3 with a 5.01 ERA in 25 appearances after signing with the Angels as a free agent last winter. On Sunday, he gave up a homer to Ben Williamson in the fourth inning.

“Drew’s been the ultimate professional with us,” Suzuki said. “Great for the younger guys in the bullpen. It was just the [timing].”

Kerry’s call-up marks a fresh chapter. The Angels’ fifth-round pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, Kerry was 3-3 with a 5.92 ERA at Salt Lake and has primarily been a starter. It is his first major-league call-up.

“It’s a dream come true, something I’ve worked for obviously my whole life,” Kerry said. “It’s a surreal experience.”

Family support is already in motion for the pitcher: Kerry’s wife and child and both sets of parents were to fly in from North Carolina in time for Monday’s game.

Wade Meckler also returned to the lineup. He was back in action hitting third Monday after being removed when he ran into the fence while chasing Williamson’s home run on Sunday.

The Angels continue their road trip Tuesday with a matchup at the Diamondbacks. First pitch is set for 6:40 p.m. PT with the Angels sending LHP Reid Detmers (2-5, 4.00 ERA) against Arizona’s RHP Merrill Kelly (5-5, 5.46 ERA).

Mike Trout All-Star Game Kurt Suzuki Angels Grayson Rodriguez injured list Jose Fermin Brett Kerry Drew Pomeranz Phase 1 voting Philadelphia July 14