WASHINGTON — Mike Trout glanced around the clubhouse like he didn't want to leave anyone out.
Shortstop Andrelton Simmons and first baseman C.J. Cron are hitting well. Parker Bridwell is pitching like an ace. Tyler Skaggs is finally healthy.
"There's a lot of guys stepping up," Trout said.
The Los Angeles Angels have won seven of eight games to vault into the second AL wild-card spot, and there's plenty of credit to go around. Trout's hitting since he returned from a six-week absence because of a torn ligament in his left thumb, solid hitting, surprising pitching and one of baseball's best defenses have combined to allow the Angels to start thinking about the playoffs after appearing out of contention in late July.