TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) Mike Trout wrapped up an eventful spring in Arizona on Friday with his third home run, and first since signing his record new deal.
Trout received a 12-year, $426.5 million contract Wednesday, and in two games since, he’s 2-for-7, hitting an RBI single Thursday and the three-run homer Friday as the Los Angeles Angels hosted the Chicago White Sox. In 14 games in Arizona, he batted .293.
The two-time Most Valuable Player joked that he and teammate Kole Calhoun wanted to make sure they hit at least one homer in spring training.
”I think the biggest thing is just getting one,” Trout said. ”That’s the goal for me and Kole. We say we just need one. We don’t want to use them all up in spring.”
Justin Upton walked to open the Angels’ first and Calhoun singled to set up Trout’s homer, a laser that landed on the left field berm at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Trout connected on a 2-1 pitch from White Sox opening day starter Carlos Rodon.
”I hit that ball pretty good,” Trout said. ”I was just trying to barrel the ball and obviously it went out but I was happy I put the barrel to it.”
Trout had a chance to repeat with two outs in the second inning but flew out to left and stranded two runners. He grounded out on a checked swing in the fifth, advancing a runner from second to third.
”I still have three more games but it’s there,” Trout said. ”I’m just trying to fine-tune things. Some swings feel really good, some kind of just in between.”
The Angels will play one more game in Arizona on Saturday against the San Diego Padres before opening a three-game exhibition series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday in Anaheim. Trout, who will not play Saturday, will talk about his new deal during a news conference Sunday outside Angel Stadium.
On Friday, the focus for Trout and the majority of players was packing their gear at Tempe Diablo Stadium and heading west.
”We’ve got to do our job,” Trout said when asked how good the Angels offense can be. ”Everybody’s got their own job. Obviously, you can’t go up there trying to do too much. Just know your swing and go from there.”
NOTES: Right-hander Trevor Cahill gave up four hits, including Leury Garcia’s solo homer in the third, over 4 1/3 innings in his final tuneup before opening day. One year ago, Cahill didn’t sign with the Oakland Athletics until March 19. Before joining the A’s, he had friends catch him and worked out as if it was spring training. ”It was tough to find catchers when (spring training) started,” Cahill said. ”The guys I knew had jobs. They didn’t want to leave the park and then go catch me.” Cahill signed with the Angels on Dec. 20. … The Angels trimmed their spring roster on Friday. 3B Taylor Ward, RHP Jake Jewell, C Jose Briceno were optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake, and C Dustin Garneau, OF Jarrett Parker, OF Brennon Lund were reassigned to minor league camp. RHP Daniel Hudson, who gave up five hits, including three home runs, in 6 2/3 innings in seven spring games, was released.
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