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A cubist interpretation of the tense moment when a star player is struck by a pitch, capturing the raw emotion and physical impact of the incident.Los Angeles Today
Angels superstar Mike Trout was left angered on Sunday after being hit by a 94 mph fastball from Mariners pitcher Casey Legumina, forcing him to exit the game with a visibly swollen hand. This incident comes after Trout was also nearly hit in the head and struck on the shoulder in a previous game against the Mariners, raising tensions between the two AL West rivals.
Why it matters
Trout is one of the best players in baseball and a key part of the Angels’ lineup. Any injury to him could have major implications for the team’s playoff hopes. The repeated incidents of Trout being thrown at high and inside also raise concerns about potential retaliation and escalating tensions between the two teams.
The details
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Legumina’s pitch got away from him and struck Trout’s left hand, leaving the three-time AL MVP in visible pain. Trout was forced to leave the eventual 11-inning, 8-7 Angels win, and later expressed his frustration, saying ‘If you can’t control it up there, you shouldn’t do it.’ X-rays on Trout’s hand came back negative, but it was still visibly swollen.
On April 5, 2026, Trout was hit by a pitch in the bottom of the eighth inning.In the series opener on April 3, 2026, Mariners pitcher Bryan Woo nearly hit Trout in the head and then struck him on the shoulder with a pitch.
The players
Mike Trout
A 34-year-old superstar outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels and a three-time American League MVP.
Casey Legumina
A right-handed pitcher for the Seattle Mariners who hit Trout with a 94 mph fastball.
Bryan Woo
A Mariners pitcher who threw aggressively at Trout in the series opener, nearly hitting him in the head and then striking him on the shoulder.
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What they’re saying
“’We know where they’re trying to get me out, fastballs up and in, so it’s just frustrating. You know, if you can’t control it up there, you shouldn’t do it. So it is what it is.’”
— Mike Trout, Angels Outfielder
What’s next
The Angels will hope Trout is able to play in their matchup against the Braves on Monday night.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the Angels and Mariners, as well as the risks that star players like Trout face from pitchers who struggle to control their fastballs. It raises questions about player safety and whether the league needs to take stronger action to curb intentional or reckless throwing at hitters.