Fans clamoring for Mark Trumbo to play more seemed ready to storm Angel Stadium with pitchforks and torches when they found out the slugger was not in the lineup for a third straight game Wednesday night.
Turns out, there was a good reason. Trumbo, who is batting .375 with two home runs but has struggled to make the transition from first base to third, is suffering from flu-like symptoms and was unable to do his early defensive work or participate in batting practice.
"Hopefully, he’ll be available at some point in the game," Manager Mike Scioscia said. With left-handers starting for Oakland and Baltimore in three of the next four games, Scioscia said Trumbo will likely get plenty of playing time through the weekend.
Struggling shortstop Erick Aybar, who is batting .171, will also be on the bench to start Wednesday night’s game against the Athletics. Bobby Abreu will bat leadoff and start in left field against A’s right-hander Bartolo Colon, the former Angels ace who won the 2005 American League Cy Young Award in Anaheim.
--Mike DiGiovanna
