2017 MLB All-Star Game: Thumb injury to keep Mike Trout out of All-Star Game

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Los Angeles Angels confirmed Monday that outfielder Mike Trout will not participate in next week's All-Star Game as he rehabs a left thumb injury.

Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts will start in Trout's place on July 11 in Miami. Betts was the top vote-getter in player balloting among non-starting American League outfielders.

Trout, the reigning AL MVP, has missed 33 games after having surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament and dorsal capsule in the thumb.

Trout, who was hitting .337 with 16 home runs and 36 RBIs before the injury, was elected as a starter for the American League for the fifth straight year.

"I couldn't be more honored to be voted to play in the All-Star Game this season," Trout said in a team release. "There are so many players in our game that deserve to be on the All-Star team so to be elected again is truly humbling. We play this game day in and day out for the fans so I am incredibly grateful that they see me as deserving of such honor."

Trout has progressed in his rehab and is expected to begin playing in rehab games this week, but a return in time for the All-Star Game -- and the Angels -- was too soon in his recovery.

"One thing with the nature of Mike's injury is, or any injury, you can't rehab to a schedule as far as when you think you want to get back," Los Angeles manager Mike Scioscia said before Monday's game in Minnesota. "This thing takes its own course.

"When you're healthy, you're healthy. Mike's made some remarkable strides in his rehab. He should ready to play in rehab games sometime later this week. Trying to cram and get ready for an All-Star Game, although it's a great honor and I know something he really enjoys, just is not the way you go about the rehab scenario."

Trout is expected to report to Class A Inland Empire this week as he gets set for his first game action since May 28. Scioscia said Trout could possibly be ready to return immediately after the All-Star break.

"We're not going to put any timetable on this until he gets into his rehab games and see how he comes out of it," Scioscia said. "Hopefully, no setbacks and then we'll see when he's ready to go."

Betts was batting .285 with 15 home runs and 51 RBIs entering the Red Sox's game on Monday night against the Texas Rangers.