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| - Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout ended speculation about his participation in the coming baseball season on Wednesday, saying he was definitely playing despite concerns over COVID-19. Trout, regarded as the best player in Major League Baseball, had initially expressed misgivings about the season as his wife Jessica is expecting the couple's first child next month. However speaking to reporters in a conference call on Wednesday, the 28-year-old eight-time All-Star drew a line under the uncertainty about his plans for the season, which starts on Thursday. "I'm playing," said Trout as the Angels prepared to open their campaign on the road against the Oakland Athletics on Friday. Trout said while he remained concerned about the potential vulnerability of teams to COVID-19 as they travelled and played in coronavirus hotspots, he had been reassured by MLB safety protocols adopted by his teammates. "The guys have been respectful of others," Trout said. "Everyone's been taking responsibility to wear a mask and social distance and just be safe, and we're seeing that. The results are there. "Just gotta pick it up and stay on it when we go on the road. Obviously people say that traveling you can get it. "Going to different cities where it's really bad right now, it's gonna be tough. But as of right now, everything is great." Trout plans to take time off after the birth of his son but has not firmed up details of how long he will stay away from the team. rcw/ch
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