TEMPE, Ariz. – As long as Mike Trout remains unsigned beyond this season, with negotiations of a nine-figure deal hanging over his head, every sinking line drive and every fly ball to the fence will represent more than a potential out.
It will represent potential disaster.
One serious injury, if it happens before the deal is done, could cost Trout a fortune.
Of course, Trout – who briefly appeared to hurt his wrist when he dove for a ball Sunday – doesn’t seem to care.
“I’m not worried about that,” he said. “I’m going to continue to play the game hard. Do whatever it takes. Diving, whatever. I think as an outfielder, once you start thinking, ‘Oh, I’m going to hit the wall’ or playing scared, that’s when you get hurt.”
Trout is signed for $1 million for 2014, but is expected to sign an extension, rumored to be about six years and $150 million, at some point early in the season.
Since news of the negotiations first broke about a month ago, the two sides have kept quiet about the progress of the talks.
“I haven’t heard anything,” Trout said Monday. “Nothing.”
Trout said he didn’t know if a lack of news about the negotiations was a sign there had been an impasse: “I don’t know if it’s good or bad. I’m just getting ready for the season, worried about getting off to a good start.”
Trout also said he doesn’t mind if the contract talks continue into the season: “That stuff doesn’t bother me. Whatever happens happens.”
PITCHING PLANS
Because the Angels are off Sunday – the day before the opener – and Thursday, this week they will go with a six-man rotation to keep Nos. 4 and 5 starters Garrett Richards and Tyler Skaggs from having too many off days before their first start.
The sixth starter? Joe Blanton.
Blanton, despite a rough outing in his last game, will start Friday at Dodger Stadium. Hector Santiago will start Thursday at Dodger Stadium and Richards on Saturday at Angel Stadium. Skaggs will start in a minor league game in Arizona on Sunday.
NOTES
Dane De La Rosa threw his second bullpen session since coming back from a strained forearm Monday. He is scheduled to pitch in a minor league game Wednesday or Thursday, pitching coach Mike Butcher said. De La Rosa will work in the minors so the Angels preserve the option of back-dating a disabled list assignment. He could still be ready for opening day, and if he starts on the DL he could be activated April 5. …
One of the Angels’ questions about the bench is expected to be answered today, when the Angels must place John McDonald on the 40-man roster or pay him a $100,000 retention bonus. When Andrew Romine was traded, McDonald became the clear favorite to win the backup infield job. …
Jered Weaver will start in a minor league game today so he can get up for seven innings. The Angels will use relievers, starting with Brandon Lyon, in the major league exhibition against the Cubs. …
The Angels drew 108,965 at Tempe Diablo Stadium this spring. Although it was the ninth time in 11 years they drew more than 100,000, it was their second consecutive spring of decreased attendance.
Contact the writer: jlfletcher@ocregister.com
