Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout's comeback effort hit another snag as he exited his first minor-league rehab assignment early due to knee soreness. Trout, who has been sidelined since April 29 following surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, was initially scheduled to play five innings but managed only two before being sidelined once again.
In his only at-bat during the rehab game, Trout struck out, a small but notable detail in his quest to return to full strength. Despite the optimistic start to his assignment, Trout's knee issues resurfaced, preventing him from continuing with his planned appearances for Triple-A Salt Lake.
The 32-year-old outfielder has since returned to Southern California for further evaluation of his knee. "Just got to get the strength back," Trout mentioned, hinting at the challenging road ahead. "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."
Trout's injury woes have plagued him for nearly three months of the 2023 season. His recovery journey has been anything but straightforward, as the former MVP acknowledged the setbacks he faces. "I can't run," Trout said candidly. "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."
Prior to injuring his knee, Trout was performing admirably, boasting a .220/.325/.541 slash line with 10 home runs and six stolen bases across 29 games. His contributions translated into an estimated 0.9 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) according to Baseball Reference. However, his absence has been keenly felt by the Angels, who have struggled without their star player. The team has a 33-39 record in Trout's absence and entered Wednesday with a 44-57 overall record, leaving them eight games back in the American League West standings.
Trout, who will turn 33 on August 7, finds himself at a critical juncture as he aims to return to peak performance. The rehabilitation process not only demands physical resilience but also mental fortitude, as the outfielder navigates the nuances of his recovery. The ongoing evaluation and adjustments to his training regimen highlight the complexity of returning from a significant injury.
For the Angels, Trout's prolonged absence underscores the challenges of maintaining competitiveness without a player of his caliber. The team's middling record reflects the void left by one of baseball's brightest stars, and the uncertainty surrounding Trout's return adds another layer of complexity to the Angels' season.
As fans and the organization await further updates, Trout's journey back to the field remains a testament to the resilience required in professional sports. His candid reflections on his condition emphasize the meticulous approach necessary to overcome such a significant injury. With continued assessment and a carefully managed rehabilitation plan, there remains hope that Trout will once again take to the diamond, striving to elevate his team and reclaim his spot among baseball's elite.