Appearing in his first game since undergoing surgery for a torn meniscus, Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout was forced to leave his rehab outing after two innings with left knee soreness.
Trout started the game batting second and playing centre field. He made a pair of plays defensively and went 0-for-1 with a strikeout before being removed from the lineup.
It was Trout’s first game with the Angels’ triple-A affiliate, the Salt Lake Bees, since 2012.
Trout suffered the meniscus injury during a win over the Philadelphia Phillies on April 29. The outfielder wasn’t sure exactly when the tear occurred but felt the pain increase throughout the game.
An 11-time All-Star, Trout has struggled through various injuries through the past four seasons, only playing in more than 100 games once since 2019.
The 32-year-old was off to another great start in 2024, slugging 10 home runs in 29 games while posting an .867 OPS for the Angels.
He missed all but 36 games of the 2021 season with a strained calf, and he missed several weeks of the 2022 season with a back injury. Trout then broke a bone in his hand last season, missing all but one game after July 3.
Originally scheduled to start the game as the designated hitter and play five innings, it is unclear what prompted the move to centre.
The Angels had floated the possibility that Trout could be back in the major-league lineup this week, but with Tuesday’s injury it seems likely that timeline will need to be pushed back.
— With files from The Associated Press
Los Angeles Angels star outfielder Mike Trout made his long-awaited return to the field on Tuesday night, playing in his first rehab game with the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees. However, Trout’s comeback was cut short as he exited the game early due to left knee soreness.
Trout, who has been sidelined since mid-May with a calf strain, was hoping to use this rehab assignment to get back into game shape before rejoining the Angels. The 29-year-old slugger had been making progress in his recovery and was eager to get back on the field with his teammates.
Unfortunately, Trout’s night was cut short after just two innings as he felt discomfort in his left knee. The Angels medical staff immediately pulled him from the game as a precautionary measure. Trout will undergo further evaluation to determine the extent of the injury and whether it will impact his timeline for returning to the majors.
This setback is certainly disappointing for Trout and the Angels, who have struggled in his absence. Trout is a three-time American League MVP and widely regarded as one of the best players in baseball. His presence in the lineup is sorely missed, and the Angels are eager to have him back on the field as soon as possible.
It remains to be seen how this knee soreness will impact Trout’s recovery timeline. The Angels will likely proceed with caution to ensure that their star player is fully healthy before returning to action. In the meantime, fans will have to wait anxiously for updates on Trout’s condition and hope for a speedy recovery.
Trout’s early exit from his first rehab game serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of injuries in sports. Even the best athletes can be sidelined by unexpected setbacks, and it’s important for players to listen to their bodies and prioritize their health above all else. Hopefully, Trout’s knee soreness is nothing serious and he will be back on the field in no time, doing what he does best – thrilling fans with his incredible talent and athleticism.