Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout is making progress in his recovery from a bone bruise in his left knee, though no official return date has been set. The three-time AL MVP landed on the 10-day injured list in early May after injuring the knee while attempting to beat out an infield single against the Mariners on April 30.
Initially, the Angels expressed optimism, expecting Trout to return quickly. However, he’s now missed 18 games, and while the injury isn’t believed to be season-threatening, Trout’s health history has prompted caution.
“I came out, I feel good,” Trout said this week. “I’m really excited with where I’m at right now. We’re upping the intensity and there’s no soreness.”
The 33-year-old said he was able to run at 50-60% intensity on Monday and hopes to increase that in the coming days. He has been hitting in cages, playing catch, and swinging without pain. “The hitting has been unbelievable,” Trout said. “Been hitting off the tee, flips, from live arms and the machine. No pain, no issues.”
Mike Trout Nearing Return, but Los Angeles Angels Remain Cautious with Star’s Knee Injury
Trout emphasized that running the bases will be the final hurdle before a return. “I just trust what [the trainers] tell me. They’ve got a routine for me every day, just building it up,” he said. “I think running the bases is a big hurdle.”
Angels manager Ron Washington is also encouraged but firm about not rushing his star outfielder. “He wanted to do more, but he’s on a ramp-up program, and we’re not going to rush it,” Washington said. “We don’t want any setbacks.”
Trout, who is slashing .179/.264/.462 with nine home runs and 18 RBIs in 29 games this season, also said he hopes to avoid a rehab assignment. “If I had any input, I wouldn’t want to do it,” he noted.
In his absence, the Angels have gone 9-8 in May, including a sweep of the Dodgers. “I love it,” Trout said. “It’s fun to see the bats in great at-bats… we keep fighting.”