Mike Trout’s Rapid Recovery Raises Hopes for an Immediate Return
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout’s recovery from a broken hamate bone in his hand appears to be progressing rapidly, leading to hopes that he may be able to make an immediate return to the team without requiring a rehab assignment.
Trout underwent surgery to repair the small bone in his left hand near his wrist after sustaining the injury on July 3. Angels manager Phil Nevin expressed optimism about Trout’s speedy recovery, stating that as soon as Trout feels comfortable swinging a bat, his return would be imminent. Nevin believes that Trout is right on track with his recovery, as this is the time when the healing process typically begins.
Trout is set to take his first swings in an inside batting cage before the game against the Seattle Mariners. He will start by hitting off a tee, then progress to soft flip tosses before facing pitching. Nevin acknowledged that although taking dry swings is one thing, hitting the ball off the end of the bat would be a significant test.
The Angels have struggled offensively in Trout’s absence, scoring a total of 14 runs over six games. Despite their offensive struggles, they managed to win two out of those six games, thanks in part to the stellar performance of Shohei Ohtani, who hit eight home runs, drove in 13 runs, and maintained an impressive 1.209 OPS during that time.
Considering Trout’s impact on the team and the current offensive struggles, the Angels are exploring the possibility of bringing him back without a minor-league rehab assignment. Nevin mentioned that they could find ways to ensure Trout gets his at-bats without playing a game.
Trout, a three-time American League MVP, has been an integral part of the Angels’ lineup, batting .263 with an .862 OPS in 81 games this season. He has hit 18 home runs and driven in 44 runs. Although his OPS is the lowest it has been since his rookie season, it still ranks sixth-best in the American League.
The Angels have been dealing with numerous injuries this season, with currently 18 players on the injured list, the most in the major leagues. Among them is utility man Brandon Drury, who is in the final stages of recovering from a left shoulder contusion. Drury could potentially return before the weekend after completing three rehab games at Triple-A Salt Lake.
In other news, Angels rookie shortstop Zach Neto was named the team’s winner of the annual Heart & Hustle Award, which recognizes the player who best embodies the values, spirit, and traditions of the game. Neto, the 13th overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, has impressed with his slick fielding and currently holds a .244 batting average with eight home runs and 30 RBIs in 66 games.
The Angels, who currently have a record of 11-11 since Trout’s injury, will face the Seattle Mariners on Friday, with Luis Castillo on the mound for the Mariners and Reid Detmers pitching for the Angels. The game will be broadcast on Bally Sports West and 830 AM.
