Angels place Trout on paternity list

Mike Trout, a three-time American League MVP Award winner, is going to be a first-time dad.

On Thursday, the Angels placed the eight-time All-Star on the paternity list as he and his wife, Jessica, are expecting their first child, a boy. The baby’s scheduled due date is Monday, which is an off-day for the Halos. Trout can be on the paternity list for three days, and if he needs more time away from the club, they can move him to the restricted list.

It’s uncertain when Trout will return to the team. However, last week, Angels general manager Billy Eppler said Trout will not have to be quarantined after attending the birth of his child because he will be tested while he is gone.

Trout initially expressed trepidation about returning to baseball for the 2020 season amid the pandemic, but he later committed to playing. He has been open about his desire to be present for the baby’s birth.

“I’m playing,” Trout said on July 22 via Zoom. “It’s definitely been great so far. I don’t think we’ve had any positives other than a couple early. Guys have been respectful of others, and everybody is wearing a mask and social distancing and being safe. We’re seeing that. The results are there. We just have to pick it up and stay on it when we’re on the road.”

In six games this season, Trout has two extra-base hits (including a homer) and four RBIs. The Angels called up right-hander Kyle Keller from their alternate training site to take Trout's place on the 30-man active roster.

Goodwin making statement
Brian Goodwin is using this year to make a statement on and off the field.

Goodwin had two hits, including a home run, and drove in three runs in Wednesday’s 10-7 loss to the Mariners. Last season, the outfielder set new career highs with 136 games, 65 runs, 108 hits, a .262 average, 29 doubles, three triples, 17 home runs, 47 RBIs, seven stolen bases, 38 walks, a .326 on-base percentage and a .796 OPS.

“I’ve been sticking with my training regimen. I got to see a lot of stuff work last year, didn’t forget what I did to get into that position,” Goodwin said. “Took it into the offseason, and the second offseason. I had more time to nitpick and get to the finer details of what I could do better and what would have the best production to come from it.”

Goodwin has also been open about his support for social justice this season. He told reporters he participated in the protests in Washington, D.C., last month after the death of George Floyd.

“It's an important issue and is something that needs to be addressed,” Goodwin said. “And when you have the stage to address it, I feel like that you need to use it. And as of right now, I have the stage, I'm in a position and I'll have the support from the Angels, so it will be a detriment to people who know me and my fans, and people back home, for me to not take advantage of it.”

On Wednesday, Goodwin wore custom cleats to pay tribute to Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and rapper Nipsey Hussle, both of whom died in the past two years.

“It just felt right to give them some honor and pay homage to them and what they meant to L.A., and me playing in L.A. right now, I thought it was just the right thing to do,” Goodwin said.