Trout to begin rehab assignment in Single-A on Wednesday

Mike Trout is finally getting back on the diamond.

Trout, who's been sidelined with a thumb injury for over a month, will begin his rehab assignment with the Single-A Inland Empire 66ers on Wednesday night at San Manuel Stadium, the Los Angeles Angels announced.

Trout and Inland Empire will take on the team's California League rivals, the Stockton Ports, on Wednesday at San Manuel Stadium. He'll serve as the designated hitter and take at least two at-bats in the game, according to Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register.

The 25-year-old went through a full workout with the 66ers on Tuesday. Angels general manager Billy Eppler said in a statement that Trout reported feeling "continued improvement" in his injured thumb following that day's workout.

On Wednesday, manager Mike Scioscia revealed the Angels are hoping Trout can return to the big club for the start of the second half on July 14, when it hosts Tampa Bay.

"If everything goes the way it can, he'll have plenty of at-bats and plenty of game time to be back then," Scioscia said. "If there are setbacks along the way where he's not feeling quite as well, or not moving along quite as well as he has the last couple weeks, we can adjust. He should have enough to be ready by Friday, but we're not going to force him to get ready by a schedule. When he's ready, he's ready."

Trout tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb on a headfirst slide into second base on May 28 against the Miami Marlins. He underwent surgery several days after the diagnosis.

Last year's American League MVP was hitting .337/.461/.742 with 16 homers, 10 stolen bases, and 36 walks at the time of his injury. Trout was voted a starter for this year's All-Star Game despite being on the disabled list, though he won't play in the game due to his rehab.