Mike Trout Gears Up for His Return
Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout is inching closer to a highly anticipated return to the baseball diamond. The 32-year-old is set to commence a rehab assignment with Triple-A Salt Lake City on Tuesday night, a pivotal step as he recovers from a torn meniscus in his left knee.
Trout has been sidelined since April 29, and underwent surgery on May 3. His absence has been keenly felt by the Angels, who have struggled to find consistency without their star player. Over the weekend, Trout took batting practice at the Angels' spring training facility in Tempe, Arizona, signaling a positive progression in his recovery.
Trout's Injury-Plagued Years
The past several seasons have been a challenge for Trout, who is a three-time MVP and 10-time All-Star. Injuries have significantly limited his time on the field. Last season, he suffered a broken hamate bone in his left wrist and was restricted to just 83 games. The previous year, a back injury curtailed his season, and in 2021, a calf strain reduced his appearances to just 36 games.
Despite these setbacks, Trout has remained a formidable force when healthy. Before his latest injury, he was batting .220 with 10 home runs this season. Angels fans and the team alike are hopeful that Trout's latest rehab stint will pave the way for his successful return to center field.
Rehab Assignment with Salt Lake Bees
Trout will begin his rehab assignment as a designated hitter, gradually working his way back to his role in center field. The goal during this rehab stint is for Trout to play seven innings on defense, allowing him to test his knee under game conditions.
This won't be Trout's first appearance with the Salt Lake Bees. Back in 2012, before he fully established himself in the majors, Trout played 20 games with the Bees. During that period, he boasted an impressive .403 batting average, with one home run and 13 RBIs over 77 at-bats. His time in Salt Lake City is remembered fondly by fans and will hopefully serve as a positive omen for his current rehab assignment.
Angels' third base coach Ron Washington has been keeping a close eye on Trout's recovery. "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," Washington said. "Hopefully that's another progression he's making, and we can have him back."
The timeline for Trout's return to the majors remains uncertain, but Washington emphasized the importance of seeing how Trout performs in Salt Lake City. "I don't know exactly when, but let's see how it goes in Salt Lake City and then make a call from there," he noted.
Importance of Trout's Return
The Angels are eagerly awaiting Trout's return, not just because of his individual talent, but also for the leadership and presence he brings to the lineup. Having him back could significantly boost the team's morale and performance as they aim to make a push in the latter part of the season.
As Trout embarks on this crucial step of his rehabilitation, fans across the league will be watching closely. His comeback could very well determine the trajectory of the Angels' season, and potentially restore one of baseball's brightest stars to his rightful place on the field. For now, all eyes are on Salt Lake City, where the next chapter of Trout's illustrious career begins anew.