Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout's return to baseball hit another roadblock as he exited his minor-league rehab assignment early due to knee soreness. Initially scheduled to play five innings, Trout only managed two before being taken out of the game. In his lone at-bat, the star outfielder struck out, adding to the frustration of his prolonged absence from the field.
Trout's first rehab stint was with Triple-A Salt Lake, where he was expected to gain some much-needed playing time. However, his plans were cut short, prompting him to return to Southern California for further evaluation. This setback is the latest in a series of difficulties for Trout, who has been sidelined since April 29 following surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee.
Despite the brief appearance, Trout was candid about his condition. "Just got to get the strength back," he stated, indicating that the problem lies not in the severity of the injury, but in regaining full function and strength in his knee. He went on to explain his cautious optimism: "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’s struggle to overcome the injury has been well-documented. His honest admission, "I can't run," underscores the severity of the issue. He elaborated on the challenges, saying, "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."
A Lengthy Recovery
The injury has cost Trout nearly three months of the 2023 MLB season—a substantial loss for both him and the Angels. Before his injury, Trout was a critical component of the team, posting a .220/.325/.541 slash line with 10 home runs and six stolen bases over 29 games. His contributions were quantified as an estimated 0.9 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference.
The impact of his absence has been keenly felt by the Angels, who have gone 33-39 without their talismanic center fielder. The team entered Wednesday with a 44-57 record, leaving them eight games back in the American League West standings and struggling to stay competitive in the hunt for postseason play.
Looking Ahead
Trout, who will turn 33 on August 7, faces an uphill battle to return to full fitness and help his team salvage the season. Given his talent and impact on the field, his absence has left a considerable void in the lineup. For Trout, the path to recovery is carefully managed to avoid setbacks, but the recurring soreness is a concerning challenge.
The Angels and their fans will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on updates regarding Trout's condition, hoping for positive news as the season progresses. In the meantime, both Trout and the team's medical staff continue to navigate this complex rehabilitation process, seeking a balance between urgency and caution.
As one of baseball's premier talents, Trout's struggle with injury and subsequent efforts to return to the diamond captures the attention of the baseball world. The hope remains that with careful management and diligent rehab, Trout can once again play at the level that has made him one of the most feared hitters in the game.