Angels: Mike Trout lands on DL, fantasy baseball crumbles

In what could be the biggest injury news of the season, Angels star Mike Trout finds himself on the DL for the first time in his career.

Alright, let’s pack it up. It’s been a good season.

The biggest star in baseball lands on the disabled list for the first time in his long career. Los Angeles Angels star outfielder Mike Trout was placed on the 10-day DL after being diagnosed with a torn UCL in his left thumb and Twitter exploded.

Trout was arguably having the best season of his career. In 47 games, he has 16 home runs, 36 RBI, 36 runs scored, 10 steals and a .337/.461/.742 line. Trout hit just 29 homers last season and was well on a pace to get close to his 41 home runs from 2015.

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With a majority of the first round picks missing time or struggling in the first two months, losing Trout is the final nail in the coffin, the straw that broke the camels back or any other cliche you want to use.

As far as his absence goes, that’s unclear at this point. Surgery is an option for Trout, but nothing has been reported yet.

If he does elect to undergo surgery, he could miss anywhere from five to eight weeks. That puts his return between the first week of July and August.

For someone who hasn’t played in less than 139 games in any full year, this would be a big blow to him and his fantasy owners. However, Scott White of CBS is looking at the bright side of the situation.

Sounds like Mike Trout will miss a month or two if he needs surgery. Asdrubal Cabrera avoided surgery, so it happens. Still, not good news. https://t.co/PAQLAnTDQs
— Scott White (@CBSScottWhite) May 29, 2017

If that is the case, Trout should be out three to four weeks. While it is unlikely, that’s the best scenario. If I were a Trout owner, you’ll be hard-pressed to find any serviceable replacement on the waiver wire.

Unless you have a star pitcher you’re willing to trade for Bryce Harper (barring suspension) or another premier slugger, you will be mixing and matching off waivers. The Angels will be doing the same thing. They called up Eric Young Jr. to join Cameron Maybin, Ben Revere and Kole Calhoun in the outfield.

All are widely available but don’t have the stats to be worth the add. Adam Frazier and Scott Schebler are two outfield pickups. Justin Bour and Devon Travis are two more utility replacements.

Next: Danny Duffy out six to eight weeks

With everything that he can do with a bat, there is no replacing Trout. He is a one-of-a-kind star. If the Angels were smart, they would vote for Trout to get the surgery. It does mean he’s out longer but they can eliminate the option of the injury reoccurring and not let his trade value dip a little.

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