Angels vs. Astros Monday MLB injury report, odds, pick: Mike Trout likely out, Yordan Alvarez expected back in lineup

The Houston Astros are one of two teams (Oakland the other) yet to play its home opener, but that will change on Monday night then the Astros host the AL West rival Los Angeles Angels. Houston is expecting designated hitter Yordan Alvarez back from the COVID list and likely won't have to deal with Angels star and three-time AL MVP Mike Trout. Houston is -150 at Caesars Sportsbook.

The injury-prone Trout was struck by a pitch from Texas Rangers right-hander Spencer Patton in Sunday's game and had to leave – Trout is probably lucky it wasn't a fastball but an 81 mph slider. He said he had issues pickup up the pitch in the shadows on a day when Globe Life Field's roof was open and that he lowered his hands to protect his midsection.

X-rays were negative, but watching Trout's reaction after the pitch would seem to indicate he will at least sit out Monday. He hasn't played more than 140 games in a season since 2016 and just 36 last year due to calf trouble. Trout is off to a bit of a slow start in batting .267 with two homers and two RBIs. Caesars Sportsbook oddsmakers clearly don't think he will play as there are no props up on Trout.

There are no props up on Alvarez, either, but he said Sunday that's he expects to be activated from the COVID injured list and play tonight. He was dealing with a fever but is feeling better and rejoined the team Saturday. The Cuban hasn't gotten going much yet in batting .143 with a homer in four games. Houston is hitting only .208 as a team and clearly misses Carlos Correa.

The Astros are 32-28 all-time in home openers and have won nine straight openers at Minute Maid Park. They start Luis Garcia, who went four scoreless innings in his 2022 debut in Arizona. He was 6-5 with a 2.39 ERA at home last season but was 1-2 with a 4.10 ERA overall vs. the Angels.

LA goes with Michael Lorenzen. He looked very good in his 2022 debut in allowing one run and two hits over six against the Marlins. Lorenzen was in the National League last season (and his career) so he didn't face Houston.

MLB free pick: Astros -150

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