MLB news: Angels’ travel schedule irks players

Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout and his teammates in the American League West have been vocal about their frustrations with the demanding travel schedule they have had to endure in the early part of the season. The Angels kicked off the year with six consecutive road games, followed by a brief three-game homestand before embarking on another grueling nine-game road trip. The team traveled from Chicago to St. Louis before returning home briefly and then hitting the road again to Tampa, Houston, and Arlington.

Trout expressed his discontent with the schedule, stating to The Athletic that he doesn’t find it “ideal.” He highlighted the challenges of landing early in the morning and having to play a night game on the same day, followed by a day game the next day. Closer Kenley Jansen also chimed in, echoing Trout’s sentiments about the toll the travel schedule takes on players’ health and performance.

According to The Athletic, the collective bargaining agreement includes rules governing travel times, with a maximum flight time of three hours and one minute for getaway games. Despite this, players like Trout and Jansen feel that the schedule is unfair and not conducive to optimal performance and well-being.

The Angels are currently in the midst of a homestand against the Pittsburgh Pirates, but they are already looking ahead to their upcoming series against the Minnesota Twins in Minneapolis, followed by a two-game road trip to face the Seattle Mariners. The team will have minimal time off between games, adding to the physical and mental strain of the grueling travel schedule.

Despite the challenges posed by the demanding schedule, the Angels are holding their own with an 11-12 record on the year. As they continue to navigate the ups and downs of the season, players like Trout and Jansen are hopeful that their concerns about the travel schedule will be addressed and improved in the future.

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