Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout's return from a knee injury has hit another snag. Trout, who was on a minor-league rehab assignment, exited the first game early due to knee soreness, raising further concerns about his comeback timeline.
Initially slated to play five innings, the star outfielder managed just two before being sidelined again. In his only at-bat during the game, Trout struck out, a rare sight for the three-time MVP. The discomfort also led to the decision to keep him out of the lineup for Triple-A Salt Lake, where he was initially planned to appear next.
"Just got to get the strength back," Trout said, summarizing the ongoing challenges of his recovery process. "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."
Trout has returned to Southern California for further evaluation of his knee. The 32-year-old has been sidelined since April 29, following surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. The injury has already cost him nearly three months of the 2023 season.
Before his injury, Trout posted a .220/.325/.541 slash line with 10 home runs and six stolen bases in 29 games. Despite his struggles at the plate, he still contributed an estimated 0.9 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) according to Baseball Reference, underscoring his all-around value to the team.
However, recovery has proven to be challenging. Trout candidly admitted, "I can't run." He elaborated, "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."
Without their superstar, the Angels have struggled mightily. The team has managed a 33-39 record in Trout's absence. Entering Wednesday with a 44-57 record, the Angels find themselves eight games back in the American League West standings, a significant gap to close as the season progresses.
As Trout approaches his 33rd birthday on August 7, both he and the team face critical decisions. The timeline for his full return remains uncertain, and there is an ever-present risk of aggravating his knee if he returns to action too soon. For now, the priority is getting back to full health without further setbacks, a process that will be monitored closely by both the player and the organization's medical staff.
Trout's latest setback serves as a reminder of the physical toll professional athletes endure and the narrow margin for error in their recovery processes. The coming weeks will be crucial not just for Trout’s immediate playing future but also for the long-term viability of his career, which, despite frequent injuries, remains one of the most illustrious in modern baseball.
As the Angels continue to navigate their season without their cornerstone player, the hopes of fans and the organization rest on a careful, successful recovery for Trout. His ability to return to form could very well determine the trajectory of the Angels' future as they look to regain their competitive edge.