ANAHEIM -- Mike Trout was forced into an early exit from the Angels' 8-6 win over the A's on Wednesday night after he was struck on his left shoulder in the eighth inning by a fastball from A's reliever John Axford. X-rays on Thursday were negative, and the star outfielder said he expects to play on Friday.
"It's obviously really sore, hit me right on the bone," Trout said. "We've got three games left, so going to try to grind it out."
The incident occurred as Trout led off in the bottom of the eighth inning. After Trout fouled off a fastball away, Axford fired a 96 mph fastball that hit Trout around his left shoulder blade. Trout was visibly in pain, but he looked like he was making a case to stay in the game to a trainer.
Trout eventually relented, and he was replaced on the basepaths by Ji-Man Choi.  
"It's sore, kind of got him on the shoulder blade. He'll have an off-day tomorrow, and I'm sure he'll be fine on Friday," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said.