Trout improving, to be re-evaluated

CHICAGO -- Mike Trout missed his second consecutive game Friday as he nurses a groin injury.

The Angels' superstar was out of the lineup for their matchup against the Cubs at Wrigley Field, with veteran Peter Bourjos replacing him in center field. Trout first tweaked his groin while running the bases in Tuesday’s 11-8 win over the Brewers, and exited that game in the fourth inning, though Los Angeles is hopeful he will return to action soon. The weather in Chicago might also be a factor, with the temperature expected to feel like the low 40s around first pitch. The Angels are understandably being cautious with their cornerstone player.

“Mike Trout was seen by Dr. Steve Yoon [Friday] morning in Los Angeles," general manager Billy Eppler said in a statement. "Imaging reveals a reduced amount of swelling to the groin. Mike also reports daily improvement. He will continue treatment in Anaheim, and he will be re-evaluated on Sunday. We will provide an update at that time.”

“At this point, we don’t expect it to be an injury that will require him to go on the IL," Angels manager Brad Ausmus said prior to Friday afternoon’s game against the Cubs. "It’s just a matter of how he feels and what the doc thinks."

Trout did not make the trip with the team to Chicago.

Trout received the American League Player of the Week award on Monday -- his first time earning the honor since 2015 -- after one of his best weeks as a Major Leaguer. He reached base in 13 of his 18 plate appearances against Texas and finished the Angels’ four-game series with a .545/.722/1.909 slash line -- giving him an eye-popping 2.631 OPS that ranks as the third-best for any player in a four-game series behind Babe Ruth (3.111 vs. Detroit on June 11-14, 1921) and Mickey Mantle (2.850 vs. Kansas City on July 2-4 in 1962), according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Trout is currently slashing .406/.592/.938 with five home runs on the season.

Ohtani getting closer
Angels star Shohei Ohtani was slated to hit off a pitching machine Friday, according to Ausmus. Ohtani, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, has been taking swings in the cage and is progressing.

“Not quite live [pitching],” Ausmus said. “It’s a baby step up.”

The timetable for Ohtani’s return has not changed, with the team still hopeful he can return to action in May.

Jewell recalled; Barria optioned
Prior to Friday afternoon’s game, the team recalled right-hander Jake Jewell from Triple-A Salt Lake. Jewell, 25, appeared in three games for the Angels last season, working 2 innings.

In a corresponding move, right-hander Jaime Barría was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake. Barria earned his first win of the season on Wednesday after striking out three and allowing one run over 2 2/3 innings of relief.