Angels' Mike Trout: Expected to play Friday

Trout (shoulder) is expected to play Friday against the Astros, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reports.

Analysis:

He was lifted for a pinch runner after being hit on the shoulder by a pitch in the eighth inning of Wednesday's game. Fortunately, X-rays were negative and Trout is expected to return without missing a start, but his status for Friday won't be confirmed until the Angels' lineup is released a few hours prior to first pitch.