Mike Trout has been missed by the Los Angeles Angels at the top of the lineup, most recently delaying his recovery from hamate surgery on his left hand.

Trout has played in 82 games this season, but aside from that, his output has largely been consistent with his usual level. His 134 wRC+, 18 home runs, and 44 RBI aren’t wasted, as he’d be an important part of this Angels lineup if they were spread out over the course of an entire season.

Unfortunately, he had been absent since July 3 due to a hamate bone fracture that required surgery. His recovery time was cut short, primarily as a result of Trout’s efforts to help the club turn things around and the spiraling trajectory they were on.

According to Sarah Valenzuela of the L.A. Times, Trout participated in just one game on August 22 and felt some discomfort following a 1-for-4 effort, which prompted the team to assess his condition going forward.

After being reinstated on the IL, Trout told reporters in New York, “I wasn’t right.” “I was experiencing agony that was intolerable. To get back out there, I believed I could push myself, and the next day, I just came in extremely, really sore.

There have been rumors that Trout would be available for trade in the off-season, but given his recent injury history, teams might be wary of that.

In terms of performance, the Angels don’t really need Trout’s attempt to return this year, but like other veterans on the roster, he might want to play just to get into a rhythm going forward.

Mike Trout will take a road trip with the Angels
The first sign that Trout might be trying to make a comeback, even if it’s just for a few games before the 2023 season is through comes this week. Six of the Angels’ final seven games will be played away from Angel Stadium, and Trout will travel with the group.

Phil Nevin, the manager of the Angels, anticipates that center fielder Mike Trout will make significant progress toward a comeback and that he may make a few appearances before the season is through.