Angels star Mike Trout will need a second surgery for a torn meniscus in his left knee, which means he won’t be able to play for the rest of the season. This is another injury setback for the three-time MVP.
Trout announced on social media Thursday that an MRI showed a new tear in his meniscus. He had previously undergone surgery on May 3 to repair the same meniscus and had been working to return before his rehab was halted on Tuesday.
“After months of hard work, I was devastated (Wednesday) when an MRI showed a tear in my meniscus that will require surgery again — ending my hopes of returning this season,” Trout posted.
“Playing and competing is a huge part of my life. This is equally as heartbreaking and frustrating for me as it is for you, the fans. I understand that I may have disappointed many, but believe me, I will do everything I can to come back even stronger.”
Trout hit .220 with 10 home runs and 14 RBIs in 29 games this season for the Angels, who are currently fourth in the AL West with slim playoff chances.
“It’s unfortunate what has happened again, but no doubt he has a chance to get that leg extremely well and he doesn’t have to have anything on his mind but getting ready for February,” Angels manager Ron Washington said.
The AL MVP in 2014, 2016, and 2019 and an 11-time All-Star, the 32-year-old Trout has struggled with injuries over the past four years.
He hasn’t played more than 119 games in any of the last five seasons. He was limited to 36 games in 2021 and 82 games last year.
“He’s devastated,” Angels general manager Perry Minasian told reporters. “I was, too, to be honest with you. I’m not the emotional type but being in the room and hearing the news with him was tough. Nobody wants to play more. Nobody cares about this building, this fan base, this team more than he does.”
Trout is earning $37.1 million in the sixth year of a 12-year, $426.5 million contract, and he will continue to earn that salary in each of the next six seasons.
“He’s gonna come back next year, win the MVP, hit 70 home runs,” Minasian said. “Book it.”
The Angels started the season with a 10-18 record with Trout, then went 10-17 in May, their first full month without him. The team went 15-11 in June, when outfielder Jo Adell hit seven home runs. Young players like Zach Neto, Nolan Schanuel, and Logan O’Hoppe have been productive, even as the team slipped to 11-14 in July.
