Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout is poised for a highly anticipated return to Major League Baseball as he embarks on a rehabilitation assignment with the Triple-A Salt Lake City Bees on Tuesday night. This step marks a significant milestone in Trout's recovery from a torn meniscus in his left knee, an injury that has sidelined the 32-year-old standout since April 29. The road to recovery included surgery on May 3 and subsequent rehabilitation efforts.
Over the weekend, Trout showcased his readiness by taking batting practice at the Angels' spring training facility in Tempe, Arizona. This follows a string of injuries that have interrupted the career of the three-time MVP and 10-time All-Star. "I've been talking with him every day. He's excited about every progression that he makes, and he can't wait to get back, and we certainly can't wait to have him," said Angels manager Ron Washington, highlighting Trout's eagerness to return to the field.
A Career Plagued by Injuries
In recent years, Trout's otherwise stellar career has been marred by a series of injuries. Last season, he suffered a broken hamate bone in his left wrist, limiting him to just 83 games. The year prior, a back injury kept him off the field for a significant portion of the season. The 2021 season was similarly truncated when a calf strain reduced his appearances to a mere 36 games. These setbacks have cast a shadow over Trout's impressive achievements and consistent on-field performance.
The Road to Recovery
Trout's performance before his most recent injury was promising but below his usual standards. He was batting .220 with 10 home runs when he was forced to step away from the game. Now, as he prepares for his rehab assignment, Trout will initially serve as a designated hitter before resuming his role in center field. The goal for his time in Salt Lake City is to build up to playing seven innings on defense.
"I don't know exactly when, but let's see how it goes in Salt Lake City and then make a call from there," Washington commented, indicating that the team is cautiously optimistic about Trout's progress. The rehab stint in Salt Lake is not unfamiliar territory for Trout. He previously played with the Bees in 2012, where he posted a remarkable .403 batting average with one home run and 13 RBIs over 77 at-bats across 20 games.
Anticipation Builds
The Angels, as well as their fans, are eagerly anticipating Trout's return. The team's performance has undeniably been impacted by his absence, and his presence on the roster is crucial for any playoff aspirations they might hold. "Hopefully that's another progression he's making, and we can have him back," Washington stated, encapsulating the sentiment shared by many within the organization.
Trout's journey through injuries, rehabilitation, and determined returns to the field paints a picture of an athlete committed to overcoming adversity to excel at the highest levels of the sport. As he takes the pivotal step of returning to live-game action, all eyes will be on his performance in Salt Lake City, awaiting the moment he can once again don the Angels’ uniform and electrify fans with his extraordinary talent.