Mike Trout could be nearing a return to the Los Angeles Angels lineup.
According to a report by MLB.com’s Rhett Bollinger, the three-time MVP is expected to begin a rehab assignment early next week after tearing the meniscus in his left knee in late April.
If all goes well, Trout could return to MLB action on Thursday.
Before hopping back into games, the 32-year-old is facing live pitching at the Angels’ spring training complex in Arizona this weekend.
Los Angeles’ triple-A affiliate, the Salt Lake Bees, is playing at home against the El Paso Chihuahuas on Tuesday.
Trout suffered the meniscus injury during a win over the Philadelphia Phillies on April 29. The outfielder wasn’t sure exactly when the tear occurred but felt the pain increase throughout the game.
An 11-time All-Star, Trout has struggled through various injuries through the past four seasons, only playing in more than 100 games once since 2019.
He was off to another great start in 2024, slugging 10 home runs in 29 games while posting an .867 OPS for the Angels.
He missed all but 36 games of the 2021 season with a strained calf, and he missed several weeks of the 2022 season with a back injury. Trout then broke a bone in his hand last season, missing all but one game after July 3.
Angels manager Ron Washington is optimistic that he’ll be able to put Trout’s name in the lineup soon.
“Hopefully that’s another progression he’s making and we can have him back,” Washington said. “I don’t know exactly when, but let’s see how it goes in Salt Lake City and then make a call from there.”
Washington said Trout would likely start at designated hitter in his first game back and then move back to the outfield, with the goal of playing seven innings on defense. The Angels are more concerned about Trout’s running than his hitting.
“I’ve been talking with him every day,” Washington said. “He’s excited about every progression that he makes, and he can’t wait to get back and we certainly can’t wait to have him.”
Los Angeles entered play on Saturday with a 41-56 record, sitting 10.0 games back in the AL West.
— With files from The Associated Press