Trout still out of lineup; Halos recall McGuire
Pujols resting; Valbuena designated for assignment
CLEVELAND -- Superstar outfielder Michael Trout remained out of the starting lineup for the fourth straight game in Sunday afternoon's 4-3 loss to the Indians as he works his way back from a right wrist contusion sustained on Wednesday against the Rays.
Angels manager Mike Scioscia said Trout is still day to day, and that he has been able to field and throw without many issues but is still struggling to fully extend through his swing without feeling the injury.
"Were monitoring and getting treatment -- [Trout's] not quite ready today," Scioscia said. "We'll continue to see what happens in the next day and see how Mike's feeling. Hopefully, it'll be soon."
First baseman Jose Pujols and outfielder Justin Upton were also out of the starting lineup for the series finale, though Upton pinch-hit for Eric Young in the ninth inning and reached on a fielder's choice. He came around to score on Andrelton Simmons' single.
McGuire recalled, Valbuena DFA'd
The Angels announced Sunday morning that William McGuire was recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake to start the series finale at Progressive Field. He yielded three runs on three hits in one-third of an inning on Sunday afternoon, striking out one, walking two and hitting two batters before being pulled.
Left-hander Tyler Skaggs was initially scheduled to get the nod, but he was placed on the 10-day disabled list on Saturday with a left adductor strain. McGuire is 0-2 with a 7.11 ERA in 12 games at the Major League level this season, including eight with Los Angeles since it acquired him from Toronto on June 19. The former Blue Jays first-round Draft pick is 4-3 in 11 games with a 4.74 ERA in the Minors in 2018.
To make room for McGuire on the 25-man roster, the club designated 11-year veteran Luis Valbuena for assignment.
"Luis worked very hard … just trying to find that rhythm," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "Historically, he's a very hot-cold hitter. When he's hot, he gets it going. When he's cold, it's not happening. They tried to work on certain things in Spring Training and through the start of the season to help him find a little more consistency. Unfortunately, it didn't materialize."
In two seasons with the Halos, Valbuena slashed .199/.277/.390 with 31 home runs and 98 RBIs in 213 games. Valbuena has played 96 games this season, mostly at third base, and he has hit .199 with nine homers, 33 RBIs and 100 strikeouts.
Manning the hot corner Sunday was Jefry Marte, who is hitting .203 in 59 games this season. Scioscia said that a platoon of guys could be holding down the position until a definite decision is made.
"We're going to mix and match right now," Scioscia said.