Los Angeles Angels fans were dealt another blow as star outfielder Mike Trout exited early from his minor-league rehab assignment due to knee soreness. Trout, who was scheduled to play five innings, managed just two before being sidelined again. In his only at-bat, he struck out, further adding to the frustration of his ongoing recovery process.
Initially, it was expected that Trout would appear for Triple-A Salt Lake, but those plans have now been scrapped. The three-time MVP has returned to Southern California for further evaluation, signaling another setback in what has been a challenging season for both Trout and the Angels. The 32-year-old has been out of MLB action since April 29 after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, an injury that has sidelined him for nearly three months.
Troublesome Recovery
"Just got to get the strength back," Trout said, encapsulating the arduous journey back to full health. "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."
The frustration in Trout’s words is telling. He admitted, "I can't run," which is a concerning revelation for a player whose athleticism is a cornerstone of his game. "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 added, shedding light on the cautious approach he must take in his recovery.
Statistical Impact
Before his injury, Trout was showing signs of his old self with a .220/.325/.541 slash line, accompanied by 10 home runs and six stolen bases across 29 games. His performance had contributed an estimated 0.9 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference, underscoring his importance to the team.
However, the Angels have struggled significantly in Trout's absence, going 33-39 without their star player. They entered Wednesday with a 44-57 record, a position that leaves them eight games back in the American League West standings. The loss of Trout’s presence both on the field and in the clubhouse has evidently been a significant blow.
Future Uncertainty
With Trout’s 33rd birthday approaching on August 7, questions loom over his long-term fitness and ability to return to the level of play that earned him his accolades. The uncertainty surrounding his knee’s recovery adds another layer of complexity to the Angels' season, which has already been marred by inconsistency and underperformance.
The immediate focus for Trout and the Angels will undoubtedly be to manage this latest setback carefully. Ensuring that Trout does not exacerbate his knee injury will be paramount. The Angels, already in a precarious position in the standings, can ill afford to rush their key player back only to risk further complications.
As Trout undergoes further evaluation, the baseball world waits with bated breath. One can only hope that the therapy and exercises he’s been working on will allow him to return stronger and unimpeded by the soreness that has plagued his rehab. For the Angels, the prospect of seeing their star outfielder back in the lineup can’t come soon enough.