Los Angeles Angels star outfielder Mike Trout has hit another roadblock in his challenging road to recovery from meniscus surgery. Trout, who has been sidelined since April 29 due to a torn meniscus in his left knee, has struggled to find his footing while attempting to return to the baseball diamond.
At 32 years old, Trout faced an unexpected interruption in his illustrious career when the knee injury required surgical intervention. Nearly three months after the procedure, he began a minor-league rehab assignment only to be forced out of his first game due to lingering knee soreness. Scheduled to play five innings, Trout managed just two and struck out in his only at-bat, raising concerns about the progress of his recovery.
Setback in Recovery
Despite an initial MRI that came back clean, Trout has been dealing with persistent soreness in his knee, which has thwarted his attempts to ramp up his activity level. As he himself noted, “Just got to get the strength back.” These ongoing issues have left both he and the Angels uncertain about when he might realistically return to the field this season.
“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,” said Trout, reflecting on the arduous and often frustrating journey back to health.
Impact on the Team
Without Trout’s presence, the Angels have grappled with inconsistency, amassing a record of 35-42 during his absence. Their season record stands at 46-60, leaving them nine games back in the American League West standings. The team hopes to turn things around despite the star outfielder’s absence, but his missing contributions are palpable.
Prior to his injury, Trout had played in 29 games, during which he hit .220/.325/.541, with 10 home runs and six stolen bases. His performance was equivalent to an estimated 0.9 Wins Above Replacement, underscoring his significant impact on the field.
Challenges in Rehab
Trout’s rehabilitation has been far from straightforward. The star outfielder has expressed frustrations about trying to navigate exercises that won't exacerbate his knee soreness. “I can't run. 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,” he explained.
This careful balancing act has led to growing concerns about whether Trout will make an appearance on the field again this year. The uncertainty surrounding his return timeline continues to loom large over the Angels’ season.
Outlook
As Trout battles to regain his strength and manage his knee soreness, the Angels remain hopeful for an eventual turnaround both for their superstar and their season. The star's unwavering determination to return "the smart way" underscores his commitment and resilience, but only time will tell when he will be ready to step back onto the field and resume his role as one of MLB’s most dynamic players. For now, the Angels are left to navigate through the remainder of their season without their key outfielder, hoping for a healthier and stronger return for Mike Trout in the near future.