Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout provided an update on his knee injury that has prevented him from playing in the field since late April. Trout suffered a bone bruise in his surgically repaired left knee during a game against the Seattle Mariners on April 30, which sidelined him for about a month before he returned to the lineup at the end of May. Despite the setback, Trout has shown improvement but remains unable to take the field defensively.

Offensive Performance Remains Strong Despite Limited Mobility

Although Trout has not played defensively since returning, he has performed well offensively, maintaining an .887 OPS and a 143 weighted runs created plus (wRC+) since coming off the injured list. His batting average has risen from .179 to .240 over the past three months. Trout’s leg injury has affected his sprint speed, though he continues to display moments of his usual quickness, including a notable infield single that ignited an eighth-inning rally in a recent game.

Impact of Trout’s Absence in the Outfield on Angels’ Defense

Trout’s absence has left a significant gap in Los Angeles’s defense, reflected by the team’s poor defensive metrics this season. The Angels lead the league with the lowest Outs Above Average (OAA) and Fielding Run Value (FRV), and among right fielders, they rank near the bottom with the fourth-worst FRV and fifth-worst OAA. To minimize the physical toll on Trout, the Angels had planned for him to play right field rather than center field prior to the season. His injury and time out of the field have only intensified the team’s defensive struggles.

Trout’s Comments on His Current Condition

“It’s feeling a little better,” Trout said. “There’s times where I have to run hard. I was trying to get that inning started there and get the base hit. But we gave ourselves chances and we didn’t execute.” —Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels outfielder

Team Outlook and the Road Ahead for the Angels

The Angels are currently facing difficulties securing a playoff spot, with recent performances nearly pushing them out of contention. Given Trout’s ongoing recovery and the team’s broader challenges, the Angels are likely to exercise caution with his playing time for the rest of the season. Los Angeles will continue to contend for position as they prepare to face the Detroit Tigers in an upcoming game scheduled for Friday at 4:10 p.m. PT.