Los Angeles Angels star outfielder Mike Trout's road to recovery hit another snag as he exited his minor-league rehab assignment prematurely due to knee soreness. Trout was initially expected to play five innings, but his stint was cut short after just two, following a strikeout in his only at-bat.
Unexpected Setback
Trout, who was set to continue his rehab with Triple-A Salt Lake, is now back in Southern California for further evaluation of his knee. This comes after his long absence from Major League Baseball following an injury on April 29 that required surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. The injury has already sidelined him for nearly three months, a void keenly felt by the struggling Angels.
"Just got to get the strength back," Trout remarked, highlighting the ongoing challenge of his rehabilitation process. "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."
A Season Derailed
Before his injury, Trout had posted a .220/.325/.541 slash line with 10 home runs and six stolen bases over 29 games. His on-field contributions yielded an estimated 0.9 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference, underlining his significance to the team. Trout's absence has coincided with a challenging period for the Angels, who have gone 33-39 without him, entering Wednesday with a 44-57 record. Currently, they find themselves eight games back in the American League West standings.
Trout, who will turn 33 on August 7, has faced an arduous recovery. The nagging knee soreness has prompted cautious steps forward. "I can't run," Trout admitted candidly, pointing to the fundamental aspects of his game that remain hampered by his condition. "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."
Angels in Limbo
The Angels' performance without Trout casts a shadow over their season, struggling to maintain competitiveness in his absence. The team hoped that Trout’s return would inject much-needed momentum, yet his latest setback raises questions about when he will be back to full strength. The franchise’s prospects are hanging in the balance as they await further evaluations of their cornerstone player.
For Trout, the focus remains on a careful, measured return to the diamond. With the nature of his injury requiring diligent management to avoid further complications, the veteran outfielder's progress will continue to be monitored closely.
As Trout undergoes this latest evaluation, the Angels and their fans hold their collective breath, hoping for a favorable outcome that will finally see the player back where he belongs—leading his team on the field.