Mike Trout’s Rehab Assignment Cut Short Due to Knee Soreness
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout’s journey back to Major League Baseball has hit another bump. Trout exited the first game of his minor-league rehab assignment early due to knee soreness, a complication that further clouds his much-anticipated return to the lineup.
The plan was initially for Trout to play five innings, but he managed just two before knee pain forced him off the field. In his sole at-bat during the game, Trout struck out, raising concerns about his readiness to resume professional play. Consequently, Trout will not appear in the lineup for Triple-A Salt Lake as initially scheduled. Instead, he has returned to Southern California for further evaluation of his knee.
The setback is the latest in a frustrating series of challenges for Trout, who has been out of MLB action since April 29 following surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. This latest issue is particularly concerning given the long layoff since his last game for the Angels, owing to surgery that has already cost him nearly three months of the 2023 season.
Trout, who will turn 33 on August 7, remains hopeful but pragmatic about his recovery. “Just got to get the strength back,” he remarked. “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.” His words offer a glimpse into the intricate balancing act of strengthening the knee while avoiding exercises that could exacerbate the soreness.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, Trout admitted, “I can’t run.” The frank admission paints a vivid picture of the challenges ahead as he works to regain full mobility and strength. He elaborated on the cautious approach being taken in his rehabilitation: “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 dominant force on the field. He posted a .220/.325/.541 slash line with 10 home runs and six stolen bases in just 29 games, contributing an estimated 0.9 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference. His absence has been deeply felt by the Angels, who have struggled in his absence. The team has gone 33-39 without him and entered Wednesday with a 44-57 record, sitting eight games back in the American League West standings.
For the Angels, a return of Trout would be a significant boost as they aim to climb in the standings. However, with Trout acknowledging the ongoing challenges in his rehabilitation, the timeline for his return remains uncertain. The team's patience will be tested as they await the day their star outfielder can once again take the field without limitations.
As he navigates through this current setback, Trout’s focus remains on regaining the strength necessary to perform at his best. The road to recovery is never straightforward, but Trout’s determination and disciplined approach offer hope to Angels fans yearning for his return. While the immediate future remains in flux, one thing is certain: the Angels and their supporters will be watching Trout’s progress with bated breath, hoping for a triumphant return to the diamond.