Mike Trout’s X-Rays Were Negative

And that sigh of relief you heard was, indeed, from me. Mike Trout jammed his right pinky during Sunday’s game against the Blue Jays but stayed in the game and hit a home run.

Trout was out of the lineup for Monday’s Indians game. As the Angels family collectively held its breath, the x-rays came back negative and Trout will be day-to-day with the finger injury. The Angels medical staff and Trout himself must not thinks it’s too serious. Trout pinch ran for Mark Trumbo in the top of the 8th inning and played the remainder of the 3-0 win in left field.

Trout was the American League rookie of the month for June and for the second consecutive month. He’s been so good I’m petitioning for Trout to be retroactively named rookie of the month for April even though he spent the majority of it in Triple-A. Trout was also the most valuable player in the league for June according to his 2.2 fWAR (Fangraphs wins above replacement), edging out Robinson Cano‘s 2.0 fWAR. Trout hit an impressive .372/.419/.531 line with three home runs and 14 stolen bases while playing great defense.

Trout is still third in baseball in fWAR behind Joey Votto and David Wright. If that doesn’t convince you he’s the AL MVP, the narrative certainly supports his case. The Halos are 35-19 since his arrival and 9-16 when he doesn’t start. If I have to, I’m prepared to quit my job and campaign for his MVP candidacy across the country. Provided my car will start.