Mike Trout's Rehab Stalled by Knee Soreness
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout faced another setback in his recovery from knee surgery after exiting the first game of his minor-league rehab assignment early due to knee soreness. Initially scheduled to play five innings, Trout managed just two before the discomfort forced him off the field.
In his lone at-bat during the rehab game, Trout struck out, a stark reminder of the physical and mental challenges that lie ahead in his return to form. The plan to feature Trout in the lineup for Triple-A Salt Lake has been scrapped, and he has returned to Southern California for further evaluation.
Trout has been sidelined since April 29, following surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. This injury has kept him out of action for nearly three months, a significant blow considering his track record and the potential impact on the Angels' season.
Addressing his recovery, Trout expressed the ongoing challenges: "Just got to get the strength back," he said. "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 star outfielder also admitted that running remains a hurdle: "I can't run," he shared 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."
Before his injury, Trout was a key contributor 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 (WAR) according to Baseball Reference. However, his absence has undoubtedly affected the team's fortunes as they have gone 33-39 without him in the lineup.
The Angels currently hold a 44-57 record, trailing eight games back in the American League West standings. With Trout's 33rd birthday approaching on August 7, the hope is that his return can provide a much-needed spark for a team that has struggled to find consistency this season.
As Trout continues to battle through his rehab process, his journey serves as a testament to the relentless effort required to return to peak performance after a significant injury. The Angels and their fans will anxiously await updates, hoping that Trout's return can not only bolster their outfield but also rejuvenate their season.
In the meantime, the focus remains on ensuring that Trout's recovery is handled meticulously to avoid further setbacks. The path to recovery is rarely straightforward, but with determination and careful management, there is optimism that Trout will overcome this hurdle and return to the diamond stronger.