What do we know about Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout’s season-ending injury?

Having played in only 266 of 648 possible games between 2021 and 2024 due to various injuries, many have questioned the lucrative 12-year, $426.5 million extension that the Angels’ designated hitter signed back in 2019. That said, there’s no doubt about what he’s capable of when healthy

Mike Trout’s season is over

According to a statement from Los Angeles Angels general manager Perry Minasian on Thursday, Mike Trout will miss the remainder of the MLB season. Trout of course, underwent knee surgery in April after tearing his meniscus. As per reports, that’s exactly what has occurred again, meaning his rehabilitation has been completely derailed. The three-time MVP released a statement after the news, saying in part:

“...Playing and competing is a huge part of my life. This is equally as heartbreaking and frustrating for me as it is for you, the fans. I understand that I may have disappointed many, but believe me, I will do everything I can to come back even stronger.”

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For context, the aforementioned tear was sustained back on April 29th after which he underwent successful surgery on his left knee. It’s worth noting that Trout could in fact have continued playing as the team’s DH, however, he chose instead to undergo surgery in an effort to remove the risk of suffering in pain for the rest of the campaign. The operation was not expected to end his season i.e., the 32-year-old’s level of frustration at this point must be immense. Indeed, despite seeing out his rehab with the Angels’ Triple-A affiliate in Salt Lake City, Trout could only last one at-bat on July 20th before he had to leave the field with what he described as knee soreness. The next we heard of it was Minasian’s allusion to a possible setback on Tuesday.

While it’s clear that Trout has missed more games than he has played in recent times, featuring in roughly 41% of the possible tally, it’s also clear that he is a danger when fit. Prior to his injury, Trout was hitting .220 with 10 home runs, 14 RBI and an .867 OPS in 29 games. Do recall that this is a player who has been to the All-Star game on 11 occasions and has a total nine Silver Sluggers in his cabinet along with three MVP awards. As for the Angeles themselves, it would be safe to say that the team has struggled when he’s been absent, evidenced by the fact that they currently sit in fourth place in the AL West on a record of 47-61. Needless to say both Trout and his team will be hoping for the fastest recovery possible.