Mike Trout: Surgical procedure higher choice than ready, DH-only position

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Mike Trout determined that having surgical procedure to restore a torn meniscus in his left knee was a greater various than suspending the process and being a chosen hitter the remainder of the season.

“It was an choice they put on the market,” the Los Angeles Angels slugger stated earlier than Thursday night time’s 10-4 loss to the Kansas Metropolis Royals. “It might have been simply sustaining the ache degree of it. The day I obtained the MRI and it confirmed [a tear], I used to be in lots of ache, so it might have been a tricky street for the remainder of the 12 months to bear that. I felt the most suitable choice for me was to get it proper and be absolutely wholesome to come back again quickly.”

Trout has additionally struggled each time he has been a chosen hitter. In 1,518 profession video games, he has been the DH solely 81 occasions and has a .214 batting common.

Trout — who’s sidelined with a serious harm for the fourth straight season — stated he nonetheless would not know when the newest one occurred. The knee soreness worsened throughout an April 29 recreation towards the Philadelphia Phillies, and an MRI taken the subsequent day revealed the tear. He underwent surgical procedure final Friday, when the Angels started a six-game street journey.

“It wasn’t one explicit play that did it. I felt just a little ache and wakened the subsequent day and could not stroll,” he stated.

Baseball gamers who’ve had an identical harm and operation have a mean restoration time of 4 to eight weeks, however Trout hasn’t had one set, as of but. He stated the one issues he has been capable of do post-surgery are stretching and making an attempt to strengthen the quadricep muscle and the world round it.

The three-time AL MVP led the majors with 10 dwelling runs on the time of the harm. He additionally was batting .220 with 14 RBIs and 6 stolen bases.

Whereas Trout is predicted to return this season, a timeframe for his return stays unclear.

“It is robust as a result of I felt actual good [to begin the season], however issues simply occur. I am doing every part I can to get again on the sector,” Trout stated. “I need to go as quick as I can, however I do not need to push it.”

The Angels fell to 14-24 with Thursday’s loss.

Supervisor Ron Washington stated he was glad to see Trout nonetheless in an upbeat temper, however was extra happy to see him within the hitter’s assembly earlier than the Angels took batting observe.

“Nobody is asking Mike to be in these conferences. Mike is on the ballpark as a result of Mike needs to be round his teammates,” Washington stated. “Any tidbits that he may give to them whereas he is right here, we welcome.”

Data from the Related Press was used on this report.