It sometimes feels almost cruel that the brilliance of Mike Trout is so often wasted on moments and games that seem wholly irrelevant, which is why it’s such a joy to finally see an at least semi-competitive Angels team in a season that’s shaping up as Trout’s best yet. (Time spent on the disabled list be damned.) Tonight gave Trout the kind of opportunity that’s been relatively rare in his career so far—to be the best when the best is most sorely needed.
In the ninth inning of a tie game against Texas that’s crucial for Anaheim as they cling to a wild card spot, with runners on first and second, Shin-Soo Choo dropped one into the outfield that seemed sure to score the lead runner. But here was Trout, from way out in center field:
The runner was called out, and the play held up on review to pave the way for extra innings. All hail Trout.