ANAHEIM — The Angels gave another peek into how they will keep Mike Trout on the field as much as possible this season by having the three-time MVP operate out of the designated hitter spot for a second consecutive game on Sunday. Never one with a preference for DH, Trout sounds eager to embrace t he role this season. “For sure,” Trout said. “Instead of having the day off, you’re still in the game, still engaged. It’s been fun.” Trout has played in 1,527 career games but just 83 of them have been at DH, including Sunday. The last time he was the DH in consecutive games was a run of four consecutive contests from April 15-18, 2019, while he was on the mend from a groin injury. The move to DH was no problem on Friday, with Trout hitting a home run for the third consecutive game while scoring two runs. He now has nine home runs in his career out of the DH spot. Regular days off also will be used to keep Trout fresh, although manager Ron Washington essentially used consecutive DH days as the equivalent of one full game in right field followed by one off day. “It was a consideration, but Mike wasn’t having it,” Washington said of a potential off day for Trout over the weekend. “So there it is.” To make it work, Jorge Soler had to play consecutive games in right field, but that was not an issue since the Angels’ offseason addition requested it. “Soler wanted to play the outfield, and we’re trying to keep Mike strong. That’s all,” Washington said. “So when we get back on the road, Mike will go back to right field.” The Angels will have an off day Monday before opening a three-game road series against the Tampa Bay Rays. Because the Rays are not playing at Tropicana Field this season due to the ballpark’s hurricane-damaged roof, Trout’s return to the outfield will take place on the more forgiving grass field of George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, as opposed to an artificial surface. GETTING A LOOK AROUND Right-hander Michael Darrell-Hicks was called up to the major leagues for the first time, taking the roster spot of right-hander Caden Dana, who was optioned back to Triple-A Salt Lake. To make room on the 40-man roster for Darrell-Hicks, right-hander Hans Crouse was released. Hicks was signed as a non-drafted free agent in July of 2022 and managed to make his way to the major leagues after just 2 1/2 seasons in the minor leagues. His breakthrough came last season when he was 6-4 with a 1.73 ERA in 30 relief outings at Double-A Rocket City. “It means everything,” Darrell-Hicks said of getting the call. “I’ve been working for countless years, and I feel I have overcome a lot.” The 27-year-old spent six years in college, earning a master’s degree in sports management while attending Western Kentucky, before he transferred to Jacksonville. During one three-year stretch he pitched just 10 innings because of Tommy John surgery and the canceled 2020 season because of the pandemic. “It was really hard for me mentally,” Darrell-Hicks said. “I got my degree, and I didn’t know if I wanted to continue playing. … But the strong support system I had, they were like, ‘You should keep going, and if you keep going, good things will happen for you.’ And sure enough, I mean, wow.” Darrell-Hicks’ stay could be short-lived with right-hander Ryan Johnson close to returning from the paternity list. HELLO, GOODBYE After just three home games, the Angels will be back on the road this week for a massive nine-game, three-city road trip to Tampa, Houston and Texas. Counting their season-opening trip to Chicago and St. Louis, the Angels will play 15 of their first 18 games on the road. If it seems excessive, it is only because it is. The Angels are set to tie the 1957 Chicago Cubs for most road games over the first 18 dates of a major league schedule. The Angels have gone 4-2 on the road this season after going 31-50 last season. UP NEXT After an off day Monday, it will be Angels (RHP Kyle Hendricks, 0-0, 3.00 ERA) at Rays (RHP Shane Baz, 1-0, 0.00 ERA), Tuesday, Tampa, Fla., 4:05 p.m. PT, FanDuel Sports Network, 830 AM Related Articles Angels’ offense stays hot in win over Guardians Angels’ offense erupts in rout of Guardians Angels give Mike Trout a break from right field against Guardians Walks and injuries spoil Angels’ home opener, a loss to Guardians Angels shortstop Zach Neto begins playing the field on rehab assignment ...read more read less