Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout is on the cusp of a major return to the field, as he embarks on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Salt Lake City on Tuesday night. The superstar has been sidelined since April 29 due to a torn meniscus in his left knee, an injury that required surgery on May 3.
Over the weekend, Trout was seen taking batting practice at the Angels' spring training facility in Tempe, Arizona, signaling the next step in his recovery journey. The 32-year-old's return is highly anticipated, given his impact and the accolades he's amassed throughout his career. Trout is a three-time MVP and a 10-time All-Star, but recent years have been fraught with injuries that have limited his time on the field.
A Career Hampered by Injuries
Trout's latest ordeal is just one of many setbacks. Last season, he endured a broken hamate bone in his left wrist, restricting him to only 83 games. The previous year, a back injury kept him off the field, and in 2021, a calf strain reduced his appearances to a mere 36 games. Despite these challenges, Trout remains one of the most formidable players in Major League Baseball.
Before his knee injury this season, Trout was batting .220 with 10 home runs. Although these numbers are underwhelming by his standards, his return is seen as a beacon of hope for the Angels, who have struggled without their star player.
Rehab Assignment with Salt Lake City
As part of his rehab, Trout will initially serve as a designated hitter before resuming his role in center field. The primary goal during his stint with Salt Lake City is for him to play seven innings on defense, a crucial step towards full recovery.
This return to Salt Lake City is not Trout's first. In 2012, he played 20 games with the Salt Lake Bees, posting a staggering .403 batting average with one home run and 13 RBIs over 77 at-bats. His previous success with the Bees sets high expectations for his current rehab assignment.
Team's Optimism
Angels' coach Ron Washington expressed cautious optimism about Trout's progression. "Hopefully, that's another progression he's making, and we can have him back," Washington mentioned, reflecting the organization's hopes of having their star back soon.
However, Washington remains pragmatic about the timeline for Trout's return to the majors. "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 stated, emphasizing the importance of the rehab assignment in determining next steps.
Washington's daily conversations with Trout reveal a player eager to get back to doing what he loves. "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 shared. This enthusiasm from both player and coach bodes well for the Angels as they look forward to Trout's return.
Trout's journey back to the field is being watched closely by fans and analysts alike. His return has the potential to shift the momentum for the Angels and add another chapter to a career already filled with remarkable achievements. As he begins his rehab assignment in Salt Lake City, all eyes will be on Mike Trout, anticipating the moment when he once again takes center field for the Los Angeles Angels.