Mike Trout says back is pain-free ahead of spring training
By RONALD BLUM
AP Baseball Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — Mike Trout says he is pain-free with spring training approaching. The three-time AL MVP was sidelined a little more than a month last season because of an injury to his upper back and ribcage. He hit .308 with 16 homers and 29 RBIs in 40 games for the Los Angeles Angels after his return in August, for an overall season average of .283 with 40 homers and 80 RBIs in 119 games. The 31-year-old 10-time All-Star is the captain for the U.S. team in the World Baseball Classic and will report to spring training with the Angels by Feb. 16.