Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim outfielder Mike Trout has been voted American League Rookie of the Month for May. Thismarks the first monthly rookie honor for the Halos since Robb Quinlan won the award in July 2004.
Trout batted .324 (35-for-108) with six doubles, two triples, five homers, 11 walks, 16 RBI, 21 runs scored and eight stolen basesin 27 games during May, and led all qualifying A.L. rookie batters (minimum 84 plate appearances) in games played, at-bats, batting
average, runs, hits, triples, walks and on-base percentage (.385). Additionally, the 20-year-old finished second among league rookiesin homers, RBI and slugging percentage (.556), and was third in doubles. The New Jersey native compiled 11 multi-hit games over thecourse of the month, and his .324 batting average made him the first Angels rookie to hit .320-or-above in May since Reggie Willits in2007 (.330). His 13 extra-base hits in May established a new rookie Club mark for the month and he is the first Angels rookie with atleast 13 extra-base hits in any month since Howie Kendrick recorded 13 in August 2006.
On May 9, the right-handed-hitting Trout enjoyed his first of four three-hit games this season, going 3-for-5 with two doubles,two RBI and two runs scored as the Angels topped the Minnesota Twins, 6-2, at Target Field. Six days later on May 15, the speedyTrout provided the offensive spark for the Halos with three hits, including a solo homer, with three runs scored and a stolen base asLos Angeles defeated the upstate rival Oakland Athletics, 4-0, at Angel Stadium. On May 18 against the San Diego Padres, the 25thoverall pick in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft went 3-for-4 with a pair of singles, an RBI and his first career triple as the Angelsdefeated San Diego, 7-2, at PETCO Park. Entering play today, the resurgent Angels have gone 20-12 since Trout’s April 28 call-up,including wins in 10 of their last 11 games dating back to May 22 to help the club into second place in the A.L. West Division behindthe defending A.L. champion Texas Rangers. At 20 years, nine months and 27 days, Trout is the second-youngest player currently inthe Major Leagues, trailing only Washington Nationals standout Bryce Harper (19 years, seven months, 18 days), who claimed theNational League Rookie of the Month Award for May.
Others receiving votes included Boston Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks (.316, 7 2B, 6 HR, 21 RBI, 13 R); MinnesotaTwins starting pitcher Scott Diamond (3-1, 2.27 ERA, 31.2 IP, 21 SO); Toronto Blue Jays infielder Yan Gomes (.227, 2 HR, 5 RBI); andChicago White Sox reliever Nate Jones (3-0, 12 G, 1.59 ERA, 17.0 IP, 19 SO).
In recognition of his American League Rookie of the Month Award, Mike Trout will receive a specially designed trophy, suitablyengraved, for his accomplishment.
