Mike Trout's Rehab Assignment Cut Short Due to Knee Soreness
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout met another setback in his journey back to Major League Baseball after exiting his minor-league rehab assignment early because of knee soreness. Initially scheduled to play five innings, Trout managed just two before being sidelined, underscoring the serious nature of his ongoing rehabilitation.
Trout, who stepped up to the plate for just one at-bat and struck out, was visibly not at his best. Despite hopes for a steady progression during his rehab assignment with Triple-A Salt Lake, the outfielder is now back in Southern California for further evaluation of his knee.
“Just got to get the strength back,” Trout remarked, expressing his frustration but also his determination to return to full fitness. “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.”
The 32-year-old superstar has been sidelined since April 29 following surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. This injury has cost the Angels nearly three months of their prime player's participation in the 2023 season. Before the injury, Trout posted a modest .220/.325/.541 slash line with 10 home runs and six stolen bases in 29 games. His contributions on the field corresponded to an estimated 0.9 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference.
The absence of their talisman has undoubtedly impacted the Angels' performance this season. The team has gone 33-39 without Trout, entering Wednesday with a 44-57 record, positioning them eight games back in the American League West standings. His return is critical for the Angels to mount any substantial late-season push.
Despite the lengthy setback, Trout was hopeful. “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,” he said.
As Trout approaches his 33rd birthday on August 7, the big question remains whether he will make it back to the field before the season's end. His recent quotes indicate a man caught between the duality of cautious optimism and simmering frustration. “I can't run,” he candidly admitted, reflecting the gravity of his condition and the long road that lies ahead for complete rehabilitation.
Trout’s ongoing battle with his knee injury continues to be a storyline that not only Angels fans, but baseball enthusiasts across the globe are closely following. His determination, coupled with the team's needs, will be the driving forces as he continues to work towards a full recovery. Until then, both the player and the team remain in a challenging but hopeful holding pattern.