Angels Opening Day: 5 Key Storylines to watch in 2020

Angels Top Storylines: Mike Trout’s availability and the playoffs

While pitching has always been the Achilles heel for the Angels, there is no arguing how indispensable Mike Trout is and what he means to their playoff hopes on a yearly basis. That is especially true during a 60-game season, where every game counts.

That’s one reason why the Angels must have mixed feelings for Trout and the impending birth of his first child.

On one hand, the team is fully supportive of Trout and his wife Jessica as they welcome this blessing into their lives, especially amid such uncertainty in the world due to COVID-19. Obviously the team wants the baby, the mother, and Trout himself to remain healthy through this and will do everything they can to help as needed.

On the other hand, the child’s arrival is due on August 3rd, just 11 days into the 2020 season. While that comes on an off-day, Trout will undoubtedly utilize paternity leave to be with his family, as he should. That could range from one to three days, with the latter being the maximum allowed under MLB’s paternity leave policy.

But what if it is more?

As we all know, the coronavirus pandemic puts us all at risk, and that increases in high-risk places like hospitals. The Angels will ensure that he is tested daily so that he won’t have to quarantine for 24-48 hours before his return. However, what happens if Trout tests positive? He will then need to test negative for the virus twice 24-hours apart and show no symptoms for 72 hours before being allowed to rejoin the team.

Don’t get me wrong. Trout should certainly be with his family during this time. However, it does come with its risks and the Angels could see themselves without Trout for a minimum of two games and perhaps more depending on test results.

Can the team endure his absence for a few games? We’ll find out quickly.