Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout, a three-time AL MVP, is out for the season with another tear in his meniscus requiring surgery.
Mike Trout Out For Season With Torn Meniscus
Trout, who has not played a game for the Angels since April 29, posted a statement on Twitter.
“Since my initial surgery on May 3rd to repair my meniscus, my rehabilitation proved longer and more difficult than anticipated.
After months of hard work, I was devastated yesterday when an MRI showed a tear in my meniscus that will require surgery again — ending my hopes of returning this season.
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.
I will continue to help my team and teammates from the dugout as we press forward into the second half of the season. Thank you for your support”
Making progress in his recovery, the Angels outfielder played two innings in a July 24th rehab assignment for Triple-A Salt Lake. He left the game after two innings because of discomfort in his knee. The MRI scan is especially terrible news as Trout approaches his 33rd birthday.
It’s an unfortunate turn of events for a 12-time All-Star outfielder. Injuries would not start plaguing him until 2017. But dating back to the 2021 season, he cannot catch a break with a right calf strain (2021), a fractured left hamate (2023), and this year’s torn meniscus. Only during the 2022 season did he play in more than 100 games. But even with all the injuries plaguing the past few seasons, Mike Trout is still the active WAR leader with 86.1 for all players and position players. His 75.6 JAWS rating makes him the fifth-best center fielder of all time. Before the injuries, he was looking at career numbers that might have rivaled Albert Pujols.
In 29 games this season, Trout hit a slashline of .220/.325/.541. As far as offensive production, he hit 10 home runs and knocked in 14 RBI. He is halfway through his 12-year, $426.5 million extension signed in March 2019. Barring any changes, the Angels owe him north of $35 million during the 2025-2030 seasons. There will be much debate about the value that Trout provided the team in the years after signing a contract extension. He was well on his way to becoming one of the greatest baseball players of all time. But for now, one can only wish for a complete recovery and his return to the big leagues in 2025.
Main Photo Credits: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
