Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout has hit yet another snag in his return to Major League Baseball. Scheduled to make five innings in his minor-league rehab assignment, Trout was forced to exit early due to knee soreness, putting his much-anticipated comeback on hold.
Trout, who struck out in his only at-bat, played only two innings before being sidelined. Initially, he was supposed to appear in the lineup for Triple-A Salt Lake, but those plans were quickly scrapped. Instead, Trout has returned to Southern California for further evaluation of his knee.
Setback in Recovery
The 31-year-old outfielder has been out of MLB action since April 29, following surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. This latest setback adds to the nearly three months Trout has already missed in the 2023 season. "Just got to get the strength back," Trout remarked when discussing his ongoing struggle with the injury.
While the outlook seemed optimistic at times, Trout’s recent comments indicate that he's still facing significant challenges. "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," Trout said. "Finally figured something out that's been working. Just trying to get that strength back."
However, the lingering soreness remains a concern. "Certain things get me kind of achy and sore the next day," Trout acknowledged. "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."
Impact on the Angels
Before his injury, Trout was a critical contributor to the Angels, posting a .220/.325/.541 slash line with ten home runs and six stolen bases over 29 games. His performance contributed an estimated 0.9 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball Reference. Without Trout, the Angels have struggled, posting a 33-39 record. Entering Wednesday's game, the Angels hold a 44-57 record, placing them eight games back in the American League West standings.
The absence of their star outfielder has undeniably had a significant impact on the team. The Angels, who have consistently struggled in Trout's absence, face an increasingly uphill battle as the season progresses. Trout's return, initially viewed as a potential turning point, now seems more ambiguous than ever.
Uncertain Timetable
As Trout’s 33rd birthday approaches on August 7, the urgency for his return grows, both from a team perspective and on a personal level. However, the question remains: when will he be at full strength? "I can’t run," Trout said bluntly, reflecting the gravity of his situation.
This candid admission underscores the uncertainty surrounding his timetable for return. Fans, teammates, and the organization alike are left in limbo, awaiting further updates on Trout’s condition following his evaluation in Southern California.
While the hope remains that Trout can successfully rehabilitate and return to form, the cautious approach being taken indicates that the team is aiming to avoid further setbacks. Trout’s comments about his experiences with exercises that exacerbate the soreness highlight the delicate balance he must maintain in his recovery.
In the high-stakes environment of professional baseball, the health and performance of key players like Mike Trout can make or break a season. As such, the Angels and their fanbase continue to hold their breath, hoping that their star outfielder will soon be back where he belongs - on the field and contributing to the team's success.