Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout is set to make a highly anticipated return to the field as he embarks on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Salt Lake City on Tuesday night. The 32-year-old star, who has been sidelined since April 29 due to a torn meniscus in his left knee, is eager to get back in action and help his team.
Long Road to Recovery
Trout underwent surgery on May 3 to address the torn meniscus. Since then, he has been diligently working towards his comeback. This past weekend, he took batting practice at the Angels' spring training facility in Tempe, Arizona, signaling a positive step in his recovery process.
"Hopefully that's another progression he's making, and we can have him back," said Angels manager Ron Washington. "I don't know exactly when, but let's see how it goes in Salt Lake City and then make a call from there."
A Star Marred by Injuries
Trout, a three-time MVP and 10-time All-Star, has unfortunately had his career plagued by injuries over the past few years. Last season, a broken hamate bone in his left wrist limited him to just 83 games. The year before that, a back injury kept him off the field for a significant portion of the season. In 2021, a calf strain restricted him to only 36 games.
Before his latest setback, Trout was batting .220 with 10 home runs this season. Despite these challenges, his talent and determination to return remain unquestioned. This latest rehab stint is seen as another opportunity for Trout to showcase his resilience and skill.
Rehab Assignment Plans
During his rehab assignment with the Salt Lake Bees, Trout will initially serve as a designated hitter before gradually resuming his role in center field. The plan is for him to eventually play seven innings on defense, allowing him to ease back into full-game action without overexerting himself too quickly.
Washington remains cautiously optimistic about Trout’s return. "I've been talking with him every day," Washington noted. "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."
Returning to Familiar Ground
This isn't Trout's first time with the Salt Lake Bees. In 2012, he played 20 games with the Bees, posting an impressive .403 batting average with one home run and 13 RBIs over 77 at-bats. His brief stint with the Bees that year was a precursor to his emergence as one of baseball's elite players.
As Trout steps back onto the field in Salt Lake City, both fans and teammates will be keeping a close eye on his progress. His successful return could be a crucial boost for the Angels as they look to make a push in the second half of the season.
There is a blend of anticipation and hope surrounding Trout's rehab assignment and eventual return. While injuries have curtailed his playing time in recent years, his perseverance and drive suggest that he can once again rise to stardom. Both the Angels and their supporters eagerly await the moment when Trout can fully showcase his talent on the field again.