Mike Trout Begins Rehab Assignment in Salt Lake City
Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout is on the brink of making a significant return to the field. The 32-year-old superstar, sidelined since April 29 due to a torn meniscus in his left knee, is beginning a rehab assignment with Triple-A Salt Lake City on Tuesday night.
After undergoing surgery on May 3, Trout has been meticulously working towards his comeback. Over the past weekend, he took a major step forward by participating in batting practice at the Angels' spring training facility in Tempe, Arizona.
Trout's career, distinguished by three MVP awards and ten All-Star appearances, has been marred by a series of injuries in recent years. Last season, Trout was limited to just 83 games due to a broken hamate bone in his left wrist. This followed a challenging period in 2021 when a calf strain restricted him to 36 games. Additionally, a back injury also kept him off the field for an extended period.
Prior to his latest injury, Trout was batting .220 with ten home runs. His performance, while below his career standards, still demonstrated his ability to impact the game significantly despite ongoing physical challenges.
Trout's rehab assignment in Salt Lake City will initially see him take on the role of a designated hitter. The plan is for him to gradually resume his duties in center field, with the goal of playing seven innings on defense during his stint. This isn't Trout's first time with the Salt Lake Bees; he played 20 games with them in 2012, boasting a .403 batting average with one home run and 13 RBIs over 77 at-bats.
Angels' manager Ron Washington expressed cautious optimism about Trout's return. "Hopefully that's another progression he's making, and we can have him back," Washington said. The team's focus remains on monitoring Trout's performance in Salt Lake City before making a final decision on his return to the major league roster. "I don't know exactly when, but let's see how it goes in Salt Lake City and then make a call from there," Washington added.
Despite the uncertainties, Trout's progress has been encouraging. As Washington noted, "I've been talking with him every day. He's excited about every progression that he makes, and he can't wait to get back, and we certainly can't wait to have him."
The potential return of Trout to the Angels' lineup would undoubtedly be a significant boost for the team, both on and off the field. Fans and teammates alike are eager for the resumption of his stellar contributions to the game. Until then, all eyes will be on Salt Lake City, where Trout's journey back to full fitness continues.