Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout is set to undergo surgery for a torn meniscus in his left knee, as announced by the team's general manager, Perry Minasian, on Tuesday. The exact timeline for Trout's recovery was not disclosed, but the injury is not expected to be season-ending, and the Angels are hopeful for his return later in the season. This injury is the latest setback for the three-time MVP.
Trout's recent injury adds to a series of challenges he has faced in recent seasons. In 2021, he was limited to just 36 games due to a torn calf muscle. The following year, Trout played 119 games but dealt with a back injury that forced him onto the injured list. Last season, a hand injury from a fouled pitch limited him to only 82 games. Between 2021 and 2023, Trout missed a total of 249 games, more than half of the possible games he could have played
Despite his injury history, Trout started this season in relatively good health, playing in all of the Angels' first 29 games. The day before his injury was announced, he played a full game in the Angels' 6-5 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, contributing with a walk, a stolen base, and a run scored.
Trout first noticed discomfort in his knee during the third inning of Monday's game but initially dismissed it. However, he experienced soreness after the game and had difficulty sleeping, prompting him to seek medical evaluation on Tuesday, where the torn meniscus was diagnosed.
Trout has had a strong start to the season, batting .220 with 10 home runs, tying him for the league lead, and 14 RBI. The Angels currently have an 11-18 record, placing them in fourth place in the AL West.