Mike Trout Set for Return: Begins Rehab Assignment with Triple-A Salt Lake City
Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout is taking a significant step towards returning to MLB action. The 32-year-old standout begins a rehab assignment with Triple-A Salt Lake City on Tuesday night, a much-anticipated move for both Trout and Angels fans alike.
Trout has been sidelined since April 29 following a torn meniscus in his left knee. The injury required surgery, which he underwent on May 3. Over the weekend, he took batting practice at the Angels' spring training facility in Tempe, Arizona, signaling his readiness to start the rehab process.
The three-time MVP and 10-time All-Star has experienced a series of injuries over recent years that have limited his playing time. Last season, Trout's campaign was cut short by a broken hamate bone in his left wrist, confining him to just 83 games. The previous year saw him miss time due to a back injury, and in 2021, a calf strain restricted him to 36 games. Despite these setbacks, Trout's impact on the field remains undeniable.
This season, before the knee injury, Trout was batting .220 with 10 home runs. Although these numbers are below his career standards, his imminent return is expected to provide a significant boost to the Angels’ lineup.
Trout will start his rehab assignment as a designated hitter before transitioning back to his regular role in center field. The goal is for him to play seven innings on defense during these rehab games, easing back into the demands of Major League Baseball.
Angels' third base coach Ron Washington shared insights into Trout's progress and the expectations surrounding his rehab stint. "Hopefully that's another progression he's making, and we can have him back," Washington said. "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 added, highlighting the cautious yet optimistic approach the team is taking.
Washington also emphasized Trout's eagerness to return to the field. "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 remarked.
This will not be Trout's first experience with the Salt Lake Bees. In 2012, he played 20 games with the Bees, boasting a .403 batting average with one home run and 13 RBIs over 77 at-bats. This historical context adds a layer of familiarity and nostalgia to his current rehab assignment, as both Trout and the Bees look to rekindle past success.
As Trout inches closer to his return, the Angels and their fans are no doubt hopeful that this rehab assignment will pave the way for a triumphant comeback. While the timeline remains uncertain, Trout's progress and dedication offer a beacon of hope as the team gears up for the crucial stages of the season.