Mike Trout Exits Rehab Assignment Early Due to Knee Soreness
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout faced yet another setback in his recovery journey, exiting his first minor-league rehab game prematurely due to knee soreness. Originally scheduled to play five innings for Triple-A Salt Lake, Trout was pulled after just two innings. His sole at-bat resulted in a strikeout, a poignant indicator of his ongoing struggles.
Trout's abrupt exit has led him back to Southern California for further evaluation. This development keeps him sidelined from Major League Baseball since April 29, after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. The injury has already cost Trout nearly three months of the 2023 season, and his return remains uncertain.
"Just got to get the strength back," Trout commented, reflecting on the physical and mental toll this injury has taken. "Kind of felt like this last week has been a little turning point where I can start ramping it up a little bit and 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."
The 32-year-old outfielder's rehabilitation has been fraught with challenges. Before this recent setback, Trout had been making incremental progress, hoping to find a consistent and sustainable routine to regain his form. However, he's candid about the hurdles he faces. "I can't run," he admitted, describing the limits of his current physical state. "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."
Before his injury, Trout was a pivotal figure for the Angels, posting a .220/.325/.541 slash line with 10 home runs and six stolen bases in 29 games. His performance contributed an estimated 0.9 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference. Despite these accomplishments, his absence has been deeply felt by the team. Since Trout's injury, the Angels have struggled, compiling a 33-39 record during his absence. This inconsistency has placed the Angels eight games back in the American League West standings with an overall record of 44-57 as of Wednesday.
The Angels, once brimming with postseason aspirations, now find themselves in a precarious position without their star player. Trout turns 33 on August 7, and his return to the lineup could determine not only the team's season but also his own legacy. While the team's current situation is grim, the hope remains that Trout's rehabilitation will eventually allow him to return to form and provide the much-needed boost for the Angels.
For now, the focus remains on Trout's health and ensuring that his recovery progresses without any further setbacks. With each day bringing new challenges, the Angels and their fans watch closely, eagerly awaiting the return of one of baseball’s brightest stars.