Los Angeles Angels star outfielder Mike Trout is facing a significant setback in his recovery process following meniscus surgery. The 32-year-old has been out of action since April 29, when he suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee. The injury was severe enough to require surgical intervention, sidelining Trout for nearly three months.
Trout had recently begun a minor-league rehab assignment, a critical step towards his return to the Major League Baseball (MLB) stage. Unfortunately, his comeback bid hit a snag almost immediately. Originally slated to play five innings, the three-time American League MVP managed just two before knee soreness forced him to exit. Despite striking out in his sole at-bat, the brief stint underscored the challenges Trout faces in his recovery.
“Just got to get the strength back,” Trout remarked, shedding light on the ongoing struggles in his rehabilitation. “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.”
An MRI conducted earlier provided some initial relief by coming back clean. However, the persistent soreness in his knee casts doubt over a definitive timeline for his return to the field. The uncertainty surrounding Trout’s situation has inevitably influenced the Angels' performance and morale this season.
The Angels currently stand at a 46-60 record, trailing nine games behind in the American League West. Trout's absence has contributed to their inconsistency on the field, with the team recording a 35-42 mark during his time away. Before his injury, Trout posted a batting line of .220/.325/.541, smashing ten home runs and stealing six bases across 29 games. His contributions were measured at 0.9 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), underscoring his invaluable presence in the lineup.
“I can't run. Certain things get me kind of achy and sore the next day,” Trout explained. “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.”
The Angels' performance, marred by inconsistency and the absence of their star player, has fans and analysts alike questioning whether Trout will make an appearance on the field again this year. Despite the clean MRI, the discomfort and soreness in Trout's knee remain substantial barriers to his return.
The 2023 season has been a challenging one for the Angels. The team is striving to narrow the gap in the American League West while dealing with the significant void left by Trout’s injury. As the season progresses, the hope remains that Trout can fully recover and rejoin his teammates, providing a much-needed boost to their roster.
In the meantime, the 11-time All-Star continues his arduous recovery, focusing on rebuilding strength and minimizing soreness. The agony and frustration from this prolonged period of inactivity are evident in Trout’s comments, hinting at a rejuvenation phase that requires not only physical discipline but also mental fortitude.
While the Angels navigate this turbulent phase, the entire baseball community watches closely, eagerly anticipating the day Mike Trout can step back onto the field and reacquaint himself with the sport he has so magnificently mastered over the years.