Los Angeles Angels fans were hit with another wave of disappointment as star outfielder Mike Trout made an early exit from his first minor-league rehab assignment due to knee soreness. Trout, whose remarkable career has been marred by injuries in recent seasons, managed just two innings before being sidelined again. Initially slated to play five innings, he did not return to the lineup for Triple-A Salt Lake as planned, instead opting to return to Southern California for further evaluation of his knee.
The 32-year-old outfielder has been out of Major League Baseball action since April 29, following surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. Trout's injury troubles have cost him nearly three months of the 2023 season, a significant blow to both his personal statistics and his team's performance.
Tough Return to Action
In his only at-bat during the rehab game, Trout struck out, an anticlimactic result for a player renowned for his hitting prowess. This bout of knee soreness is a setback for Trout, who has been diligently working his way back from surgery. As he put it, "Just got to get the strength back."
He elaborated on his recovery process, saying, "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."
Challenges and Setbacks
Despite his efforts, Trout admitted that he's not yet in playing shape, conceding, "I can't run." He further explained the difficulties he faces: "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 Season in Limbo
Before the injury, Trout was posting a .220/.325/.541 slash line with 10 home runs and six stolen bases over 29 games. While these numbers were short of his career averages, Trout still contributed an estimated 0.9 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference. However, his absence has been keenly felt by the Angels, who have gone 33-39 without him in the lineup. Entering Wednesday, the Angels held a 44-57 record, trailing by eight games in the competitive American League West standings.
For the Angels, Trout's health is paramount. His ability to return to form could be a game-changer for a team struggling to find its footing in the division. The lingering question is whether Trout can overcome his knee issues and once again become the indispensable player he has always been. Until then, fans, teammates, and the organization as a whole are holding their breath, hoping for a speedy and complete recovery for their perennial All-Star.
While the next steps in Trout's journey back to the diamond remain uncertain, what is clear is his commitment to getting there the right way. As he battles through this challenging phase, all eyes will be on Mike Trout, waiting for the moment he can finally say he's back to full strength.