Angels outfielder Mike Trout receives cortisone shot in latest attempt to heal wrist

Instead of the Angels’ inconsistent offense receiving a badly needed shot of Mike Trout on Monday, it was Trout who received the injection.

He was treated with cortisone in the latest attempt to heal his sore right wrist and later missed his fifth consecutive game.

The Angels are hoping to avoid having to place Trout on the disabled list, a move that would sideline him through the weekend. Team officials say, without any setbacks, he might be able to return Friday.

“All the tests he’s had point to just some inflammation,” manager Mike Scioscia said. “That has to run its course. This injection will help that.”

Trout was injured Wednesday sliding into third base in a game against Tampa Bay. He initially said he probably would miss only a couple days, but the symptoms have lingered.

Eric Young Jr. started in Trout’s place in center field in the opener of a three-game series against Detroit. He hit his first homer of the season and made a diving catch in deep center field to end the eighth.

Rivera rehabbing

Catcher Rene Rivera, who has been out since mid-May with a right knee injury, said he’ll begin a rehabilitation assignment Tuesday.

Rivera hasn’t played since May 16 because of a torn meniscus, an ailment that required surgery. The Angels’ original timetable had him missing four to six weeks.

“Bodies are different and heal different,” Rivera said. “We wanted to get all the soreness out.… We don’t want to deal with this anymore.”

Without Rivera and having traded veteran Martin Maldonado in late July, the Angels have been going with rookie catchers Jose Briceno and Francisco Arcia.

At 35 and in his 10th big-league season, Rivera said he has been enjoying the chance to share his experience.

“I’ve always been the guy who wanted to help the young kids,” he said. “It’s good to know you have the opportunity to help them. Next chapter of my career, maybe I’ll be a coach or manager. We’ll see.”

More injury updates

Matt Shoemaker (forearm surgery) threw his first bullpen session Monday and reported no problems.

Shohei Ohtani (ulnar collateral ligament sprain) also stepped on the mound, though he didn’t throw a baseball from there. He was limited to going through his pitching motion to begin the process of re-acclimating.

“He’s made a lot of progress, no setbacks,” Scioscia said of Ohtani. “This is absolutely moving in the right direction. We’re confident in that.”

If they can continue without interruption, Shoemaker and Ohtani are expected to pitch again this season.

Short hops

Infielder Jose Fernandez was recalled from triple-A Salt Lake and pitcher Deck McGuire was optioned down.… Jacob Turner, a No. 1 draft pick in 2009 who has pitched for five teams, will start Tuesday for the Tigers. He’s replacing Mike Fiers, who was traded Monday to Oakland.

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