MONTERREY, Mexico -- Angels superstar Mike Trout said Saturday he’s honored to play in the Mexico Series against the Astros and believes it’s important for Major League Baseball to grow the game internationally.

Trout, speaking at a press conference that included many local reporters from Mexico, praised MLB for its effort to bring baseball to Monterrey for the two-game series. It’s the third series this year at Estadio de Beisbol Monterrey, as the D-backs and Rockies played at the ballpark during Spring Training in March and the Cardinals and Reds played a series here in April.

"It's great,” Trout said. “Obviously, traveling here, seeing the field and just expanding MLB baseball. It's big for the game, good for the game. Just getting more people involved, it's exciting."

Trout was also asked whether the Angels feel like they have a disadvantage, considering the two games count as Angels home games even though Monterrey is much closer geographically to Houston.

"I don't think so,” Trout said. “Obviously, I'm excited to see the crowds, see the people, the fans. Coming into the stadium yesterday, being an outfielder, I like to check out the outfield seats. It's going to be a pretty amazing feeling out there. Do I think we're giving the Astros an advantage? Obviously playing at home means a lot to us, but it's going to be an exciting game. I don't think we're going to give them an advantage too much. … We're not going to change anything."

It’s the first time Trout has played in Mexico, as he said he never played here in international tournaments growing up. It’s also the first time the Angels have played in Mexico.

"It's definitely my first time playing but I've traveled out here on vacations sometimes with my family," Trout said. "The Mexican fanbase is great in Anaheim. I think it's really exciting to be able to come over and play in Mexico and see the fans that don't get to come to Anaheim often and just be able to see a Major League club in their city of Monterrey. It probably means a lot to them. It means a lot to us."

Ohtani, Cozart play in simulated game

Shohei Ohtani, rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, faced live pitching again on Saturday and was joined by Zack Cozart, who is on the 10-day injured list with neck stiffness. The two participated in a simulated game at Angel Stadium and are scheduled to face live pitching again on Sunday.

Both players could be activated at some point during the Angels’ road trip, as they head to Detroit, Baltimore and Minnesota after the Mexico Series. The Angels have yet to give a date for Ohtani’s return as a designated hitter, but it could come as early as Tuesday in Detroit. Cozart could be ready to return early in the week as well.

Heaney to face hitters Sunday

Lefty Andrew Heaney, on the 10-day injured list with left elbow inflammation, is scheduled to throw a live bullpen session against hitters on Sunday. It’ll be the first time Heaney has faced hitters since suffering the injury in early March during Spring Training. It’s an important step for Heaney, who is still a couple weeks away from returning.