Mike Trout's Knee Soreness Halts Minor-League Rehab Stint
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout’s return to Major League Baseball hit another snag as he exited the first game of his minor-league rehab assignment due to knee soreness. Trout, who was set to play five innings, managed only two before being sidelined once again.
The center fielder, who has been out of action since April 29 due to a torn meniscus in his left knee, had only one at-bat in the game, during which he struck out. Following this premature exit, it was confirmed that Trout would not appear in the lineup for Triple-A Salt Lake as initially planned. Instead, he has returned to Southern California for further evaluation of his knee.
“Just got to get the strength back,” Trout remarked, explaining his ongoing battle with knee issues. “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.”
Despite his optimism, Trout candidly acknowledged his current limitations. “I can't run,” he said, shedding light on the difficulties he faces in his recovery journey. “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 surgery to repair the torn meniscus has sidelined him for nearly three months of the 2023 season, a significant absence for both the player and the Angels. Before his injury, Trout posted a .220/.325/.541 slash line, along with 10 home runs and six stolen bases over 29 games. His contributions were estimated at 0.9 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference—a testament to his impact on the field.
The absence of their star player has noticeably affected the Angels' performance. Since Trout's injury, the team has gone 33-39, a record that places them eight games back in the American League West standings. Entering Wednesday’s games, the Angels held a 44-57 record, illustrating the challenges they have faced without their leading outfielder.
As Trout approaches his 33rd birthday on August 7, the pressure mounts not only for him to return but to regain the form that has made him one of the most electrifying players in baseball. His health and performance are crucial to an Angels squad that has struggled to find consistency in his absence.
The upcoming evaluations in Southern California will be pivotal in Trout's recovery process. As Trout works on regaining his strength and reducing the soreness in his knee, the entire baseball community awaits updates on his condition. The hope remains that he can avoid further setbacks and help turn around the Angels’ fortunes upon his return to the lineup.
The road to recovery is never straightforward, particularly for an athlete of Trout's caliber. Yet, his determination and methodical approach to rehabilitation could pave the way for his eventual return to the field. For now, fans and the Angels organization alike will have to wait and see how Trout’s knee responds in the coming weeks.