The Los Angeles Angels are entering their first season without Shohei Ohtani since 2017. But Mike Trout stays ready to remind the league that the Angels still have plenty of pop.

His first victim of the 2024 season was Baltimore Orioles ace Corbin Burnes. With two outs in the first inning, Trout scored the Angels‘ first run of the season on a towering home run to left center field.

Mike Trout takes charge

Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) hits a single during the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.
Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Losing Ohtani is obviously a massive blow for the Angels. As both a hitter and pitcher, he set new heights and accomplishes massive highs. From a pure offensive outlook, Ohtani hit .274 with 171 home runs, 439 RBI and 87 stolen bases.

But before Ohtani came to Los Angeles, Trout was MLB's star child. He laid down a Hall of Fame resume before the two-way star even came stateside. Trout could've requested a trade or expressed a desire to leave once Ohtani signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, he doubled down and is now looking to help the Angels get back into the playoffs.

If LA is going to see any success, they'll need Trout healthy and producing. Over 13 years with the team, the outfielder has hit .301 with 368 home runs, 940 RBI and 206 stolen bases. He is a three-time MVP, nine-time Silver Slugger, 11-time All-Star and a former Rookie of the Year.

Corbin Burnes bomb

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While Trout's home run was a grand showing for Los Angeles, Corbin Burnes suffered the complete opposite fate. He was brought to Baltimore as the Orioles' new ace and expected to be a beacon of consistency in the rotation.

He did get out of the inning allowing just Trout's solo shot. Burnes even struck out the two batters that came before him. But on a 1-1 count, Trout had Burnes' number and gave him a warm welcome to the American League.

The Orioles immediately countered, scoring two runs in the bottom of the first. Los Angeles will need much more than just a Trout solo home run to come away with a victory.

But if nothing else, his long ball is sign of good health and high potential for Mike Trout. The expectations in Los Angeles might be lower without Ohtani. But Trout isn't going down without a fight.