Mike Trout Returns to Action with the Angels
The Los Angeles Angels will activate their star, outfielder Mike Trout, before Friday’s game against the Cleveland Guardians, marking the start of a six-game road trip. Trout, 33, has been out of action since suffering a contusion in his previously operated left knee on April 30. The injury occurred while trying to reach first base after a ground ball.Since then, Trout has been gradually increasing his baseball-related activities, including running bases and facing a minor league pitcher at Angel Stadium earlier this week. A rehabilitation assignment was not deemed necessary.
The Angels had a mixed performance in the 26 games without Trout, highlighting an eight-game winning streak followed by a five-game losing streak. Overall, their offense ranks 11th in runs per game, 17th in OPS, and last in the walk/strikeout ratio.
Trout, a three-time Most Valuable Player and the most dominant player of the 2010s, only participated in 41% of the Angels’ games between 2021 and 2024. His start in 2025 was not as expected, with nine home runs in 29 games, but with a batting average of .179/.264/.462.
To make room on the active roster for Trout, Matthew Lugo was optioned to Triple-A on Thursday.
With Trout’s return to right field, a position he moved to during spring training after a whole career in center, Jorge Soler will likely return to being the full-time designated hitter. Jo Adell and the newly acquired Chris Taylor are the main options for center field.
