Mike Trout Set for Comeback: Begins Rehab Assignment with Triple-A Salt Lake City
Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout is gearing up for a significant return to the field as he commences a rehab assignment with Triple-A Salt Lake City on Tuesday night. The 32-year-old standout has been sidelined since April 29 due to a torn meniscus in his left knee—a devastating blow that necessitated surgery on May 3.
Trout, a three-time MVP and 10-time All-Star, has become all too familiar with the physical and emotional toll of injuries. Over the weekend, he took a crucial step towards his recovery by participating in batting practice at the Angels' spring training facility in Tempe, Arizona. This marks the beginning of what fans and teammates hope will be a successful rehabilitation period, leading up to his eventual return to Major League action.
Despite his remarkable career achievements, including his reputation as one of the best players in the game, Trout's recent years have been marred by injuries. Last season, he endured a broken hamate bone in his left wrist, restricting him to just 83 games. The year before, a back injury kept him off the field for a significant period. In 2021, a calf strain limited him to just 36 games.
Before his latest setback, Trout was batting .220 with 10 home runs this season, a testament to his resilient performance even amid physical challenges. Now, as he starts his rehab assignment, Trout will initially serve as a designated hitter before resuming his role in center field. The plan is to progressively build up his stamina, with a goal of playing seven innings on defense during his stint with the Salt Lake Bees.
This isn’t Trout's first experience with the Salt Lake Bees. Back in 2012, he played 20 games with the Triple-A team, boasting a .403 batting average, one home run, and 13 RBIs over 77 at-bats—a performance that foreshadowed his ascension to Major League stardom.
Angels' coach Ron Washington weighed in on Trout's rehabilitation, expressing optimism and cautious anticipation. "Hopefully that's another progression he's making, and we can have him back," Washington said. He emphasized the importance of the reassignment by stating, "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's close communication with Trout underscores the team's collective eagerness to see their centerpiece return. "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," he added.
The upcoming rehab games will not only test Trout’s physical limits but will also serve as a crucial evaluation phase for the Angels. With their star outfielder committed to a disciplined and patient recovery process, the team can cautiously look forward to injecting his offensive and defensive prowess back into their lineup. For Trout, this period represents yet another opportunity to overcome adversity, reaffirming his legacy as a resilient and tenacious competitor.
As Trout steps onto the field in Salt Lake City, the anticipation among fans and analysts alike is palpable. His return will undoubtedly be a significant boost for the Angels, who have felt the void left by his absence. While the exact timeline for his return to the Major League remains uncertain, the progress made in Salt Lake City will be the deciding factor, and the baseball world eagerly awaits what comes next in Trout's storied career.