Angels superstar Mike Trout was activated off the injured list before Friday’s series opener against the Tigers. To make room, outfielder Steven Duggar was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake after Wednesday’s game.
Trout, who has been out since July 12 with an upper back/left rib cage injury, faced live pitching on Monday after taking batting practice on the field over the weekend. He had a scheduled day off on Tuesday and had said that if everything went well with his workout on Wednesday, he would be activated.
Trout, a three-time American League MVP and 10-time All-Star, admitted it’s been tough to deal with another injury this season. He suffered a season-ending calf strain in mid-May last season, but he’s relieved that his back injury won’t end his season this year. Trout’s official diagnosis was a costovertebral dysfunction at T5 in his spine, but he said he’s feeling 100% after his treatment.
“I’m excited,” Trout said on Wednesday. “I’m happy with the progress. It was good for me to take time off and get it out of there. And now I get to play for about a month and a week, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Head athletic trainer Mike Frostad said on July 27 that it could be an injury Trout has to monitor throughout his career, but Trout received better news after meeting with noted spine specialist Dr. Robert Watkins a few days later. The injury is rare for baseball players, but happens more often to swimmers, and can fully heal with rest and treatment. Trout said it’s something he’ll continue to monitor this season.
“Just keep the same routine I’ve been doing,” Trout said. “I’ve got a good routine and I warm up with rotational stuff and a core program. I just have to stay on top of it.”
Trout, 31, was batting .270/.368/.599 with 24 homers and 51 RBIs in 79 games before being placed on the injured list on July 18. He played through the injury for a week before ultimately being placed on the IL.