Mike Trout could have continued playing with the torn meniscus in his left knee that currently has him sidelined indefinitely. But the Los Angeles Angels outfielder chose surgery rather than staying on the field because being designated only as a designated hitter would make him play through pain.
“It was an option they offered (offseason surgery),” Trout said Thursday via The Associated Press. “It would have been just maintaining the pain level. The day I had the MRI and it showed (a tear), I was in a lot of pain, so it would have been a difficult road for the rest of the year to endure that. I felt like the best option for me was to do well and be completely healthy to return soon.
At the time it was announced that Trout had elected surgery in late April, the three-time American League MVP was tied for the MLB lead in home runs with 10 and hitting .220/.325/.541 .
Unfortunately, injuries have become a regular occurrence in Trout’s career. He has played in 266 of a possible 523 games since 2020. He missed the final four months of 2021 due to a calf strain, missed more than a month of 2022 with a back issue and missed half of 2023 after break your hand
Trout underwent surgery to repair his torn meniscus last week and is still unsure how or when he suffered the injury. The team has not announced an official schedule, but for now the 32-year-old says he feels good.
“The surgery went well. Just taking it day by day and feeling better every day, it’s been good. No schedule. “Just go in, do rehab and hopefully you feel better each day, see how you feel the next day and go from there.”
Historically, Trout has not liked being a designated hitter. He has played that role 81 times in his career and has a .214 batting average.
Players who underwent similar surgery returned in four to eight weeks. However, given Trout’s injury history, the Angels would do well to be more cautious before declaring him 100% ready to return.
“It’s hard because I felt really good (to start the season), but things just happen. I’m doing everything I can to get back on the field.” trout said. “I want to go as fast as I can, but I don’t want to push.”