When is Mike Trout coming back? Exploring the status of Angels star

Mike Trout continues to make progress in the rehabilitation process for his knee injury. As per reports, the Los Angeles Angels superstar has started practicing swings with his bat, although he has yet to begin working on the outfield.

Trout didn't mention the exact date of his return but is hoping to make his comeback by the end of July.

“Oh yeah, I’ll be back before that. “I’m not putting like, an exact timetable on it, but once I do all the tests and I can run, hit and throw, I’ll be out there.

“I’m happy where I’m at right now. It makes me relieved not to feel [any consistent pain].”

He could be handed a few rehab assignments in the minor leagues before he makes his full return.

Trout has been sidelined from action since April 29 after suffering a torn meniscus on his left knee. The Los Angeles Angels superstar had to undergo surgery in May to treat his injury and was initially expected to be out for six weeks. However, it has been more than two months since his last game.

The 2024 All-Star Game was held this past Tuesday, and Trout was undoubtedly the most notable absentee at the event. Aside from the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, when the Midsummer Classic was called off, this was the first time in his career that Trout did not get selected for the All-Star team.

Recurring injuries have blighted Trout in recent times and he has played fewer than 120 games in each of the previous three seasons. This year, he got sidelined before the All-Star break and did not play enough games to qualify for the voting ballots. At the time, he was batting .220/.325/.541 with 10 home runs, 14 RBIs and six stolen bases.

Phillies All-Star believes Mike Trout is the best player in MLB

Bryce Harper feels Mike Trout is still the best active player in the MLB (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

Bryce Harper, who made his eighth appearance at the All-Star Game this year, said that Mike Trout is still the best active player in the major leagues. He offered his thoughts in response to a question from a reporter during his press conference on Media Day at the showcase event.

“I would still say Mike Trout. I still think when he's healthy, it’s so special to watch,” Harper said.

Interestingly, there are some curious parallels between the careers of Bryce Harper and Mike Trout. The pair were named Rookie of the Year for 2012 in their respective leagues before establishing themselves as two of the best players in the game and winning multiple MVP awards. Meanwhile, both players have had serious injury trouble in recent years, which has limited their time on the field.