Los Angeles Angels fans faced another setback this week as star outfielder Mike Trout cut short his minor-league rehab stint due to knee soreness. Initially set to play five innings for the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees, Trout managed just two innings before exiting the game. His single at-bat resulted in a strikeout, raising further concerns about his readiness to return.
Trout has now returned to Southern California for further evaluation of his knee. This marks another chapter in his ongoing battle with injury after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. Trout has been sidelined since April 29, a period that has seen him miss nearly three months of the 2023 MLB season.
Trout's Struggles
"Just got to get the strength back," Trout stated, expressing a blend of optimism and caution about his recovery journey. "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."
However, his recent outing suggests that challenges remain. "I can't run," Trout admitted frankly, shedding light on the extent of his struggle. "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."
Impact on the Angels
Before his injury, Trout was a pivotal player for the Angels, posting a .220/.325/.541 slash line with 10 home runs and six stolen bases across 29 games. According to Baseball Reference, Trout's contributions added an estimated 0.9 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) to the team's tally.
However, his absence has been acutely felt. The Angels have gone 33-39 without their star outfielder and entered Wednesday holding a 44-57 record. They are currently eight games behind in the American League West standings, underlining the significance of Trout's presence and performance to the team's success.
Looking Forward
As Trout approaches his 33rd birthday on August 7, questions loom about his ability to return to peak form. Despite his struggles, Trout's determination to regain his strength and avoid setbacks remains clear. For the Angels, a successful rehab for Trout could be instrumental in shaping the remainder of their season.
The fans, coaching staff, and Trout himself will be closely monitoring his progress. Given his invaluable role, a cautious yet optimistic approach seems to be in play. For now, the focus will be on careful management of his condition, aiming for a full recovery and return to major league action.