CLEVELAND — Los Angeles Angels Manager Mike Scioscia reached deep into his vocabulary to describe a report saying he’ll step down after this season.

“Poppycock,” Scioscia said Sunday, using a dated term for “nonsense.”

A day after The Athletic reported that Scioscia is expected to end his 19-year run with the Angels in October, the manager strongly dismissed the report and insisted he still loves what he’s doing.

Shortly after the Angels were beaten 3-0 by the Indians on Saturday night, longtime baseball writer Ken Rosenthal, citing unnamed major league sources, reported that Scioscia – the longest-tenured manager in the majors – and the Angels had reached a mutual decision to part ways after this season.

Scioscia said that’s not true, and he has “no idea” where the report originated.

“Nothing has changed since we talked in October,” he said, referring to what he told reporters at the end of last season about his status. “There’s always chatter out there. That’s it. Nothing’s changed. The only word I have is poppycock. That’s all it is.”

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Following last season, Scioscia, Angels General Manager Billy Eppler and owner Arte Moreno jointly said they would put off any talks about the 59-year-old manager’s future – or a possible contract extension – until the 2018 season was over.

Scioscia is in the final year of a 10-year deal he signed in 2008.

One of the game’s most likable managers, the former major league catcher was in a playful mood and joked with reporters while sitting in the dugout before Sunday’s game. Once he denied the report, Scioscia was eager to change the subject.

Scioscia said he didn’t speak with the team and doesn’t believe his situation will distract the Angels, who have little chance of making the playoffs. They entered Sunday’s game in fourth place in the AL West, 16 games behind division leaders Houston and well back in the wild-card race.

Angels All-Star outfielder Mike Trout missed his fourth straight game with a nagging right wrist injury.

Trout hasn’t played since injuring his wrist while sliding on a steal attempt Wednesday at Tampa Bay. The 26-year-old said Saturday night that he still has soreness in his wrist when he swings and throws.

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After he was evaluated Sunday, Scioscia chose to keep him out of the series finale against the Indians.

Trout had expected to be back earlier, but his wrist has not responded to treatment as hoped. X-rays and an MRI revealed inflammation. Trout said following Saturday’s game that it’s been “frustrating. You don’t want to be sitting on the bench watching your team out there.”

ASTROS: Houston placed starting pitcher Lance McCullers on the 10-day disabled list with right elbow discomfort and activated right-handed reliever Roberto Osuna.

Osuna was acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays in a trade-deadline deal last week and is coming off a 75-day MLB-imposed suspension for violation of the league’s domestic violence policy.

Osuna met his new teammates and addressed the club for 10 minutes in a closed-door meeting.

Osuna offered few details about the meeting Sunday morning in the Astros’ clubhouse at Dodger Stadium and did not discuss the case pending against him.

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Astros Manager A.J. Hinch said he wouldn’t hesitate to use Osuna, and would like to get the All-Star closer into a game as soon as possible. Hinch said he doesn’t have any details about Osuna’s domestic violence accusation but takes the situation seriously.

McCullers pitched four scoreless innings Saturday against the Dodgers but left as he warmed up for the fifth inning.

BREWERS: Milwaukee claimed right-hander Jordan Lyles off waivers from the San Diego Padres.

The 27-year-old Lyles is 2-4 with a 4.29 ERA in 24 appearances, including eight starts, this season.

CARDINALS: St. Louis claimed right-hander Tyson Ross off waivers from the San Diego Padres.

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