Mike Trout, outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels, exits his first minor league rehab game ahead of schedule due to knee soreness

Mike Trout speaks to team players

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout played only two innings in his first minor league rehab game on Tuesday night because his surgically-repaired left knee was sore.

Trout, a three-time MVP, struck out in his only at-bat for Triple-A Salt Lake. This was his first rehab appearance since he tore the meniscus in his left knee at the end of April.

The Angels removed Trout after two innings, citing knee soreness, and described his status as day-to-day.

Angels manager Ron Washington had planned for Trout to play five innings in his first game, serve as the designated hitter on Wednesday, and hopefully play seven innings in the field on Thursday.

Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout sits in the dugout during the first inning

“We’ll wait and see how things go each day,” Washington said. “He won’t return unless he’s confident. We’re excited to be nearing his return.”

Before his injury, Trout was batting .220 with 10 home runs and 14 RBIs in 29 games this season. Since the start of the 2021 season, the 32-year-old has played in only 226 games due to various injuries.