Mike Trout's Rehab Setback Leaves Angels, Fans in Limbo
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout's eagerly anticipated return to the diamond hit a significant snag recently. Trout, who has been sidelined since April 29 due to surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, exited his first minor-league rehab game early due to knee soreness. The three-time MVP was supposed to play five innings, but the outing was cut short after just two innings.
Adding to the concern, Trout struck out in his only at-bat before leaving the game. The Angels announced that Trout would not continue his stint with Triple-A Salt Lake as initially planned. Instead, he headed back to Southern California for further evaluation, adding uncertainty to his much-anticipated return.
In a candid comment to the media, Trout expressed both his determination and frustration. “Just got to get the strength back,” Trout said. “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, it's clear that Trout's journey back to the major leagues is far from smooth. “I can’t run,” he admitted, highlighting the severity of his ongoing issues. “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.”
Trout's injury has already cost him nearly three months of the 2023 season. Before his knee issues, he was posting a .220/.325/.541 slash line with 10 home runs and six stolen bases over 29 games. Those numbers, while below his usually lofty standards, still underline his importance to the team. Despite only contributing 0.9 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball Reference, Trout's absence has been keenly felt; the Angels have managed a 33-39 record without him.
Trout's health woes come at a particularly difficult time for the Angels. As of Wednesday, the team held a 44-57 record, a staggering eight games back in the American League West standings. Hopes of a postseason berth look increasingly slim, making Trout's potential return ever more crucial.
With Trout turning 33 on August 7, time is not necessarily on his side to return to his peak form. Yet his dedication to overcoming this setback is unmistakable. “Just trying to get that strength back,” he reiterated. The road to recovery is long and fraught with challenges, and both Trout and the Angels organization will need patience and precision in the coming weeks.
For fans and teammates alike, the big question remains: When will they see Trout back where he belongs, making impactful plays in the outfield and at the plate? Until then, every inning and every at-bat in his rehab will be watched with bated breath, hoping that the perennial All-Star can swiftly and safely return to leading his team on the field.