Angels' Trout hitless in spring debut

Mike Trout finally was able to be penciled into the lineup for the Angels in Cactus League action, but he got off to a rough start in Tuesday's 6-4 loss to the Royals.

The Halos' No. 1 prospect hit out of the No. 8 spot as the designated hitter, going 0-for-3 with a walk, a strikeout and was caught stealing.

Trout missed most of spring action with a debilitating virus that had caused him to lose 10 pounds. The 2011 Texas League All-Star will be unable to take his usual spot in the outfield for about another week while he continues to nurse tendinitis in his right shoulder.

"I just want to get it stronger," Trout said before Tuesday's contest. "It's just been tight. It won't affect my playing. I'm still getting my at-bats; doing fundamentals and stuff before the game. Once my arm gets back and stronger, I'll be out there playing defense too."

The Angels' 2009 first-round pick went .326 with 11 homers, 38 RBIs and 33 stolen bases in 91 games for Double-A Arkansas last season. He is expected to start the season at Triple-A Salt Lake.

Royals' No. 8 prospect Kelvin Herrera earned the save after allowing a hit and striking out one in a scoreless ninth. The righty has allowed just one earned run on five hits and two walks over seven innings this spring.