Trout out of starting lineup for first time this season

HOUSTON -- It took Angels manager Mike Scioscia exactly half the season, but he finally left Mike Trout out of the lineup on Sunday.

Scioscia said Trout's been nursing a tight hamstring and, with the team having Monday off, it made sense to sit the prolific outfielder.

"You wouldn't even know [he's had the hamstring issue] by watching him," Scioscia said. "It's more of a proactive, precautionary decision than an injury. He'd be available today. We'd like to avoid him, and by Tuesday, he'll freshen up even more."

Trout had started all 81 games prior to Sunday, proving himself not only among baseball's best in productivity, but also in durability.

He's again among the league leaders in stolen bases (20), hits (104), batting average (.315), doubles (25) and RBIs (52) at the midway point while splitting time between center and left field.

"This is something that's going to happen from time to time," Scioscia said. "Mike's name is going to be in the lineup for a long time. He's very resilient. You would expect being as young as he is that he'll be able to play a lot, and he has. He takes good care of himself, but we can't run him down.

"A day like this comes along every once in a while, and we'll combine it with the off-day to give him a break."