When the Washington Nationals face the Los Angeles Angels for a two-game series, they’ll be facing the best player in baseball.
Angels outfielder Mike Trout, healthy again after missing 39 games with a thumb injury, made his return Friday and the Nationals will play him Tuesday and Wednesday in Los Angeles.
Before his injury, Trout was having a monstrous season, even by his standards. In 47 games, Trout racked up 16 home runs and 36 RBIs. He was batting .364/.461/.742.
Trout, 25, was already recognized as the sport’s best player — winning two American League MVPs in his six seasons — but it’s fascinating to wonder what his numbers would look like now if he hadn’t missed 39 games.