Angels star Mike Trout excited for imminent start of World Baseball Classic
TEMPE, Ariz. — Ever since Mike Trout decided last summer that he was going to play for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, he’s been eagerly waiting for this opportunity.
As the Angels star stood in front of dozens of reporters wearing his blue “USA” uniform on Thursday, he could barely contain his excitement about the tournament that officially begins for Team USA with a game against Great Britain on Saturday.
“I was looking forward to it all offseason, and now it’s a reality,” Trout said. “Just to be able to get to know the guys and see how great the team is and how the guys come in and have fun, it’s going to be a fun tournament.”
Trout’s dream team and his real team crossed paths on Thursday, with Team USA playing an exhibition game against the Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium.
It provided some entertaining and awkward moments – like when Angels lefty Tyler Anderson threw one up and in against Trout.
“Ah, I shouldn’t do that,” Anderson said he told himself. “Just feed them out over (the plate) and let him do what he wants to do.”
Trout then hit a fly ball to the warning track, barely shy of a homer. Trout ended up going hitless in three trips to the plate, including a walk. He was one of the only members of the Team USA starting lineup who didn’t do much offensively in their 6-0 victory over the Angels. Nolan Arenado hit a grand slam in the third.
Although it turned out to be a loss for the Angels, it was definitely a win for a few Angels prospects.
Team USA needed some players to finish out the game, so shortstop Zach Neto, first baseman Trey Cabbage and outfielders Jeremiah Jackson and Jordyn Adams were loaned to Team USA. Neto, Jackson and Adams all got into the game. The final three pitchers for Team USA were Angels left-handers Kenny Rosenberg, Jake Kalish and Cam Vieux.
Afterward, Neto said the experience of sharing a dugout and a field with such a star-studded team was unforgettable.
“Not many people get to say they played with a bunch of All-Stars and legends in that locker room and that dugout, so I’m blessed,” said Neto, adding that he tried to have a conversation with “everybody there.”
Trout said he talked to Neto on the phone the night before and “he was super pumped.”
Trout could appreciate it. Even though Neto is a 22-year-old who was drafted just last year, and Trout is a 31-year-old who has already sealed his case for the Hall of Fame, they had similar sentiments about wearing the USA jersey.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” Trout said. “The whole group is excited. We’ve got a great group. The chemistry is unbelievable. We’re having a great time.”
RODRIGUEZ UPDATE
A day after Chris Rodriguez threw a bullpen session, he said he’s still making slow but steady progress toward a return to action.
“I feel great,” he said. “I can’t put a percentage on it, but I feel good.”
Rodriguez has not pitched since August 2021, a couple of months before he underwent shoulder surgery.
“Very long, very stressful (process), but I’m starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Rodriguez said on Thursday.
The next step for Rodriguez will be facing hitters in live batting practice, but the Angels haven’t yet set the date for that.
“We just want to make sure we are setting myself up for success as much as possible,” Rodriguez said. “We want to make sure we don’t have any setbacks when we do start facing hitters.”
NOTES
Manager Phil Nevin said he set his alarm clock for 3 a.m. to watch Shohei Ohtani pitch in the WBC. “I hit snooze, but then I saw him pitch the last three innings,” Nevin said. Ohtani worked four scoreless innings, striking out five and walking none. He also had two hits, including a double. …
Nevin said he also watched Jaime Barría pitch for Panama and David Fletcher playing for Italy. Barria gave up one run in 2-2/3 innings and Fletcher had a double in four at-bats. …
Left-hander Patrick Sandoval made an appearance in camp, even though he had left to be with Team Mexico. Sandoval said he was back to throw his bullpen session under the watch of Angels coaches. Sandoval’s manager with Mexico is Benji Gil, the Angels’ infield coach. …
Longtime Angels lefty Chuck Finley arrived in camp on Thursday for his stint as a special instructor. Former Angels John Lackey, Adam Kennedy and Torii Hunter are also in camp.