For the second straight day, Angels superstar Mike Trout was absent from the starting lineup, but the injury is not believed to be serious.

Trout was hit on his left elbow by a fastball thrown by Astros starter Cristian Javier during Thursday’s game, and later exited the game. After being a late scratch from Friday’s lineup, Trout was given another day off on Saturday against Houston.

Manager Joe Maddon said Trout is still being considered day to day, but the belief is that Trout won’t see time on the injured list.

“It's all been kind of a day to day thing until that swelling really dissipates and he feels comfortable swinging the bat again,” Maddon said during a pregame press conference on Saturday.

Maddon said Trout has not had any X-rays or further testing on the elbow.

Walsh’s success
The Angels have been one of the better teams in baseball when it comes to offensive production in tight ballgames.

As a team, the Halos are slashing .299/.380/.460 with a Major League-leading 20 RBIs late in close games.

Hitting coach Jeremy Reed said the success of the late offensive production comes from each individual player understanding what needs to be done to push across pivotal runs.

“Conversationally we talk about team baseball [and] playing for one another, and whether you're ahead or behind those seem to be magnified, so it's a team thing,” Reed said.

A key role player in that success for the Angels has been first baseman Jared Walsh. He kicked off this year slashing .317/.397/.583 with four home runs and 14 RBIs through 18 games. When it comes to late inning production, Walsh has excelled with a 1.375 OPS and five RBIs.

“[Walsh] has extremely good hands, and the whip in the barrel is impressive and it brings loud contact to the pull side,” Reed said. “It also brings, at times, a little bit of inconsistencies that he goes through, but Jared knows himself very well.”

Reed said Walsh’s work ethic has been a factor in his ability to continue progressing in his third year in the big leagues.

“[Walsh] understands what drills he needs to do as well, and he has a very solid routine when he goes through something, he fights his way back into the positions he needs to get in,” Reed said. “So, he's been an outstanding worker and fun to be around.

Angels tidbits
• Juan Lagares (left calf strain) and Max Stassi (left thumb sprain) are not ready to come off the IL just yet, Maddon said on Saturday. However, Maddon said those two could be ready to return in the coming days.

• Maddon announced probables for the Angels’ next road series against the Rangers. Shohei Ohtani will start on Monday, José Quintana on Tuesday and Alex Cobb on Wednesday. Maddon said it is a possibility for Ohtani to hit and pitch during his start on Monday. The decision will be based on conversations with Ohtani to determine how he feels about doing both in Arlington.