ANAHEIM — The Angels might soon have the middle of their lineup intact again.

Third baseman Anthony Rendon returned to the Angels’ lineup on Friday, missing less than two weeks with right wrist inflammation.

Outfielder Taylor Ward, who is out with a hamstring injury, said that he is going to be ready to be activated on Tuesday at Dodger Stadium, which would be a minimum 10-day stay on the injured list.

Three-time American League MVP Mike Trout, who is not on the injured list, remains day to day with left groin tightness.

Trout had said on Thursday night that he felt well enough that he hoped to play on Friday. Apparently, his pregame workouts didn’t go well enough to warrant his return to the lineup just yet.

“I think we’re inching closer,” Interim Manager Phil Nevin said. “He feels great today. At this point, I want Mike Trout for the whole year. I don’t want to push anything too quick. It’s the trainer’s decision ultimately. I have a little bit of say. But Mike feels better.”

For the start of this weekend’s series against the New York Mets, the Angels only had Rendon back. That was a bit of a surprise, because the Angels had not given any timeline for him. Head athletic trainer Mike Frostad said on Wednesday that the final hurdle for Rendon would be throwing, and apparently he cleared it.

“His progression the last few days has really increased,” Nevin said. “He looks good. Anthony wouldn’t go out there unless he knew he can give us a good effort. He feels confident in that.”

Rendon had five home runs and a .738 OPS, but that included a .928 OPS in his last 12 games before he was injured.

WHIFF

The Angels have struck out in 24.9% of their plate appearances, which is the third-worst rate in the majors. In recent games, with the Angels already challenged to score runs, some of the strikeouts have been particularly costly because they prevented the Angels from even moving runners.

Nevin said he’s not concerned, though.

“I’m not worried about that,” Nevin said. “We’ll get our boys, the regular guys back in there and we’ll be at full strength. (Shohei Ohtani) is gonna strike eout, so is Mike (Trout). Everybody’s gonna strike out once in a while. It’s the damage they do between those that we like a lot.”

Nevin also said he thinks his hitters have been disciplined.

“I think we make great pitch decisions when we swing,” Nevin said. “The numbers have shown that. The data has shown that our guys make good decisions on balls in the zone, and balls just off the plate we’re good at taking them. Sometimes they’re called strikes though.”

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According to FanGraphs, the Angels are the fifth most disciplined team in the majors with regard to swinging at pitches out of the strike zone.

NOTES

The Angels optioned infielder Jack Mayfield and outfielder Dillon Thomas to create roster spots for Rendon and left-hander Jhonathan Diaz, who was recalled to start on Friday night. …

Utility man Luis Rengifo is expected to rejoin the team on Saturday. Rengifo had been on the paternity list for the birth of his daughter. …

Left-hander Aaron Loup did not pitch in any of the four games against the Boston Red Sox, but Nevin said it was just because the right matchups didn’t arise. Nevin also said that getting a few days off “was very valuable” to Loup, who had allowed 10 runs in his previous 3-2/3 innings.

UP NEXT

Angels (RHP Michael Lorenzen, 5-3, 3.69) vs. Mets (RHP Carlos Carrasco, 7-1, 3.52), Saturday, 7:07 p.m., Bally Sports West, 830 AM