Trout exits with shoulder injury after HBP

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout exited Wednesday's contest against the Oakland Athletics in the eighth inning after taking a fastball from right-hander John Axford to the left shoulder.

Trout hunched over in obvious pain after being hit by the pitch, and was immediately looked at by a team trainer.

After a quick assessment, Trout left the game and went directly to the clubhouse for further evaluation.

He was replaced by Ji-Man Choi.

Manager Mike Scioscia told reporters after the game Trout was "sore," but he expects him to play Friday.

The 25-year-old Trout was 1-for-4 in the contest before leaving, and hopes to be ready to play after getting an X-ray Thursday. "Only three games left. I want to grind them out," he said.

For the season, he's performed wonderfully yet again, slashing .318/.441/.559 with 29 home runs, 99 RBIs, and 27 stolen bases.