CLEVELAND — Angels All-Star center fielder Mike Trout has been scratched from the starting lineup because of a bruised right pinky.
Trout, who entered Monday’s game leading the AL with a .339 average, hurt his finger diving back to second base in Sunday’s game at Toronto. Los Angeles manager Mike Scioscia said the rookie had trouble gripping the bat during early batting practice and the team decided to give him the night off. Scioscia did not know if Trout will undergo X-rays.
Trout has sparked the Angels since he was recalled from the minors on April 28. The team is 37-21 since the 20-year-old came up. He also leads the AL with 22 steals.
Peter Bourjos will start the series opener against Cleveland in center and bat eighth. Erick Aybar will move up from eighth into Trout’s leadoff spot.
