Trout rounding into form with first homer since April

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Angels superstar Mike Trout is starting to find his swing this spring, connecting on his first Cactus League homer against the Reds on Wednesday. It's his first homer in game action since April of last year.

Making the start at designated hitter after making his spring debut in right field on Monday, Trout smacked a solo blast to left field off veteran reliever Bryan Shaw in the third inning. It was a good sign from Trout, who is looking to stay healthy this season after dealing with injuries over the past four seasons.

“It felt good,” Trout said. “Just having some good at-bats, seeing pitches and got a good result.”

Trout, a three-time AL MVP and 11-time All-Star, said earlier in the spring that he worked in the offseason to find his old swing, as he believes he developed some bad habits over the past few seasons. He felt like he was getting close to discovering it last year, only to tear the meniscus in his left knee on April 29. He underwent surgery and returned in a rehab assignment with Triple-A Salt Lake on July 23, only to reinjure his knee in his first game back, necessitating another surgery.

Trout, though, made a full recovery and is looking to revert back to his previous MVP form. The 14-year veteran remains under contract through 2030 after signing a 12-year deal worth $426.5 million before the 2019 season.

“I noticed a few things that I was doing,” Trout said. “I was able to work on things to get back to my old self. For me, looking at the last few years, I used to never chase. Used to walk a lot. I think getting back to that and getting into that position at the plate where I can just be myself instead of just being up there and being defensive.”

Trout also drew a walk in the first inning against lefty Nick Lodolo before striking out looking in the fourth against reliever Taylor Rogers. He went 0-for-1 with a walk and a strikeout on Monday and is scheduled to return to right field again on Friday against the White Sox.

Trout said the first thing he thought of after his strikeout on a 3-2 count was the new ABS challenge system being tested out this spring, but that’s not available at Tempe Diablo Stadium this year.

“It would have been interesting, because I think the one before that, I don't know what pitch it was, but I thought that was close, and he called it a ball,” Trout said. “And then I thought the last one was off the plate a little. You're definitely thinking about [the challenge system]. I thought it was off [the plate]. I don't know. I got to look at the video.”

The 33-year-old Trout is continuing to work with coaches Bo Porter and Eric Young Sr. on transitioning to right field after being the club’s longtime center fielder. He last played right field in 2012 and played exclusively center field from 2014-24.

He said it’s important to continue to see game action in right because of his lack of experience there. The reads are different than in center and also is learning to defer to new center fielders Mickey Moniak and Jo Adell while constantly working on communicating.

“It feels good,” Trout said. “Just getting reps out there. I’ll be out there Friday. Looking forward to it, just getting some reads off the bat. It's just different visuals you’ve got to work on. And then you’ve got different angles on the line, you’ve got to work with different stadiums. It's gonna be an adjustment but I'm enjoying it.”

Angels tidbits

? Angels manager Ron Washington missed his third straight day due to illness, while infield coach Ryan Goins has also been out sick. Bench coach Ray Montgomery has been filling in for Washington.

? Right-hander Jack Kochanowicz has also been under the weather and will be a gametime decision for his scheduled start on Thursday. Kochanowicz, though, was at the club’s facility on Wednesday and was feeling better.

? Luis Rengifo, who has also missed time with an illness, remains on track to make his Cactus League debut on Friday. Rengifo has mostly been working at second base but will also see time at third and in the outfield this spring.