Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout faced another setback on his road to recovery, exiting the first game of his minor-league rehab assignment after experiencing knee soreness. Trout was initially slated to play five innings but managed only two before being sidelined again. In his sole at-bat, the star outfielder struck out, and he will not appear in the lineup for Triple-A Salt Lake as initially planned.
Trout has since returned to Southern California for further evaluation of his knee, which has been a lingering issue. He underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee on April 29, and his rehab has been a painstaking journey. The injury has kept him out of action for nearly three months of the 2023 season, an absence that has undoubtedly impacted the Angels.
"Just got to get the strength back," Trout commented on his current condition. "Kind of felt like this last week has been a little turning point where I can start ramping it up a little bit, see how it feels. It's just trying to find exercises that don't make it ache the next day or irritate it. Finally figured something out that's been working. Just trying to get that strength back."
The frustration in Trout's voice is palpable. He's eager to return to the field but is mindful of the challenges his recovery presents. "I can't run," he candidly admitted, further explaining, "Certain things get me kind of achy and sore the next day. Trying to limit that because I don't want to get here and then have a setback and have this (up-and-down) thing. Just trying to progress as fast as I can the smart way."
Before his injury, Trout posted a .220/.325/.541 slash line with 10 home runs and six stolen bases over 29 games. His performance netted him an estimated 0.9 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) according to Baseball Reference. These numbers reflect Trout's importance to the team, and his absence has been felt keenly. The Angels have struggled without him, going 33-39 during his time on the sidelines.
The impact of Trout’s absence is also reflected in the team's standing. As of Wednesday, the Angels held a 44-57 record, putting them eight games back in the competitive American League West standings. With each passing game, the urgency for Trout’s return grows, but so does the need for caution to ensure he does not aggravate the injury further.
Trout, who will turn 33 on August 7, finds himself at a crucial juncture in his career. A productive return could help him re-establish his place among baseball's elite and provide a much-needed boost to the struggling Angels. However, the recurring soreness in his knee indicates that there is still work to be done before he can make a full-scale return to MLB action.
For now, all eyes are on the evaluations that will take place in Southern California. These assessments will provide a clearer picture of Trout’s condition and the realistic timeline for his return. The Angels’ faithful can only hope that the superstar outfielder overcomes this latest hurdle and makes a triumphant return to the diamond.
The road ahead for Trout is paved with uncertainty, but his determination is unquestionable. As he continues to navigate the complexities of his rehab, one thing is clear: Mike Trout's eventual return will be a significant event, not just for the Angels, but for the entire baseball community.