On Easter Sunday, Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout was hit by a pitch in the fifth inning on the hand. Texas Rangers starter Spencer Patton drilled Trout with an 81 mile per hour slider on the hand and wrist area of his left hand. The future member of the Baseball Hall of Fame immediately showed signs of pain and was forced to leave the game.

The Angels immediately sent their superstar for x-rays. Thankfully for the Angels and their fans, the x-rays came back negative. Trout is currently listed as day-to-day.

Los Angeles can ill afford to lose Trout for an extended amount of time again in 2022. He played only 36 games last season, as he dealt with numerous injuries throughout the season.

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The Angels offense is heavily dependent on production from Trout and Shohei Ohtani. The rest of the lineup features a bunch of long time journeyman, utility players and youngsters that the Angels hope can live up to potential.

This season, Trout has been off to a relatively slow start. He is hitting just .267 with two home runs, both of which have created his only RBI's of the season.

The door is certainly open for the Angels this season. The AL West does not have a preeminent team that is heavily favored to win the division. The Houston Astros likely took a big step backwards with the loss of some key players. The Texas Rangers still lack for pitching depth and the Oakland Athletics might have the worst lineup in baseball.

In order for the Angels to win the division, Trout is going to need to have a big year. Much of that depends on his ability to stay healthy.