Trout (thumb) hit in the cage Thursday and is set to take batting practice on the field Friday, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reports.
This is a very encouraging sign as Trout had what Fletcher described as an "aggressive" BP session Thursday after being limited to hitting off a tee since resuming baseball activities. Friday's session should shed some light on how close Trout is to returning as facing live pitching two days in a row will be a major test for his thumb. Time is starting to run out for a pre-All-Star Game return for Trout, but if his thumb holds up to the increased activity, he could be back for the Angels' upcoming series against the Twins or the Rangers.