OAKLAND -- It appears Michael Trout is on the verge of returning to the Angels' lineup.
Manager Mike Scioscia said the reigning American League MVP and AL Player of the Month for April could return Thursday after he was out of the starting lineup for the fifth straight game in Wednesday's series finale against the A's.
Trout, who is currently riding a career-best 17-game hitting streak, ran on the field and went through agility drills before Wednesday's contest with a team trainer and didn't appear to experience any setbacks.
"We're hoping he comes out of it great today, works out tomorrow pregame and can play," Scioscia said. "But you don't want to miss any steps, so he won't be overly aggressive to where he's going to set himself back."
Trout said he initially injured his hamstring last week in Seattle before re-aggravating it trying to track down a fly ball in the gap on Friday against Houston. Scioscia said he would have to confer with the medical staff following Trout's light workout on Wednesday to see if he would be fit to handle a pinch-hitting role off the bench in the matinee vs. Oakland.

"[Trout had] no restrictions at all swinging the bat," Scioscia said. "We'd consider a [DH role], but a hamstring is a different animal. It's tough to sit down and stay warm in between DHing. If it comes to pass where he needs a couple days just to manage this, we can consider that."
Trout wasn't the only big bat missing from the Angels' lineup on Wednesday, as Jose Pujols was also rested a day after he hit career home run No. 596. Cameron Maybin made his fifth consecutive start in center field, while Luis Valbuena took over DH duties and Jefry Marte earned the start at first base.
"Recharge day for Albert," Scioscia said. "Albert's been grinding. Just giving him a chance to refresh for a little bit."
Worth noting
• Rehabbing first baseman C.J. Cron is scheduled to do hitting work on Wednesday and could possibly return to the lineup for Triple-A Salt Lake on Thursday. Cron initially joined Salt Lake to rehab a left foot contusion, but that has been medically cleared recently, according to Scioscia. Cron has been out of action since being hit by a pitch on his right wrist on Sunday.