"Hopefully that's progression ... let's see how it goes" — Ron Washington optimistic about Mike Trout's return as All-Star slugger nears rehab outing
Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington has opened up about Mike Trout's possible return. The three-time All-Star MVP will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Salt Lake City on Tuesday.
Trout tore a meniscus in his left knee on April 29 during his team's 11-5 loss against the Minnesota Twins. Then he had surgery on May 3 and has been out of the game ever since. Last week, he had a batting practice at the Angels' spring training facility in Arizona. Now he is set to start his first rehab assignment.
In the postgame interview following their win against the Seattle Mariners on Monday, Washington talked about Trout's return. He sounded optimistic about adding the 11-time All-Star back to the lineup soon.
"Hopefully that's another progression he's making and we can have him back. 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.
The manager mentioned that they are in constant contact and that Trout is excited to get back on the pitch and help his team:
"I've been talking with him every day. He's excited about every progression that he makes, and he can't wait get back, and we certainly can't wait to have him."
According to Washington, Trout will start as a designated hitter once he is back from his injury before moving back to the outfield. This is because the club is more concerned about his running than his hitting. Before being sidelined in April, he played 16 games for his team, hitting .220 with .867 OPS, 10 HRs and 14 RBIs.
Mike Trout is hopeful of making a late July return
Earlier this month, Mike Trout talked to a reporter about the progression of his recovery and mentioned eyeing an imminent return to action by the end of July.
"The running progression is the most important part [...] I’ll continue to build up, and I believe I’ll be back in late July."
The Angels are in the fourth position of the AL West with a 43-57 record. They are 12.5 wild card games behind. And even if the club gets its star slugger back, they are still almost certain to miss the postseason this year as well.