Mike Trout Hits Two-Run Homer in Return as Angels Beat Rangers 13-1

Mike Trout returned from a 17-game absence and hit a 438-foot two-run home run in the eighth inning, helping the Los Angeles Angels defeat the Texas Rangers 13-1 on July 8 in Arlington, Texas, ESPN reported. Trout was activated from the injured list before the game and started as the designated hitter batting second.

He had missed time after straining his right hamstring on June 17 while running the bases.

The home run gave the Angels an 11-0 lead and marked the 15th anniversary of his major league debut. The homer was Trout's 48th against the Rangers franchise since it relocated to Texas in 1972, the most by any player in that span. Reggie Jackson holds the franchise record with 54 home runs against the Washington Senators/Texas Rangers.

866 OPS, 17 home runs and 36 RBIs in 74 games. The Angels designated infielder Donovan Walton for assignment to clear roster space. Trout, a 12-time All-Star, three-time AL MVP and two-time All-Star Game MVP, was elected by fan vote as the American League starting outfielder for the 2026 All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

He has not appeared in the game since 2019 because of injuries. Trout grew up in Millville, New Jersey, 40 miles from the ballpark.