ANAHEIM, Calif. — Speaking with the media prior to Tuesday night’s series opener vs. the Cincinnati Reds, Mike Trout declared he was back. Missing 38 games with a hamate bone fracture, Trout worked hard to make himself available for the Angels as they hold onto their fading playoff hopes. Seeing his team running out of time, Trout told reporters before the game, “We went through a little stretch there, but we have 37 games left. Obviously this isn’t where we wanted to be right now, but we’re not giving up.”

Trout acknowledged that the Angels are running out of time, which is part of why he expects to be in the lineup every day now that he is back. While Trout felt a sense of urgency to return soon, it wasn’t at the risk of his health, which he can confidently say will not get worse by returning now.

“I talked to some doctors, and they said I can’t injure it more,” Trout said pregame. “There’s definitely going to be soreness in there, but I’m just happy to be out there with the guys.”

In his return to the lineup, Trout went 1-4 with an infield single. Trout’s one hit came with one out in the 8th inning, but the Angels were unable to bring him around and tie the game. Eventually falling by a final score of 4-3, the Angels dropped to 10.0 GB in the American League Wild Card race.

As their playoff hopes continue to dwindle, the Angels still aren’t ready to give up. This is something Trout also spoke on pregame, saying, “We’re not out of it, you never know. I’ve seen some crazy stuff. We’ve got a group of guys that won’t stop fighting.”

While Tuesday night’s outcome was not a step in the right direction, the Angels hope that Trout’s return can help spark some momentum as he gets back to his usual form.