Angels reinstate Trout from IL after more than 7 weeks
The Los Angeles Angels are set to receive a major boost as the club activated All-Star outfielder Mike Trout from the injured list ahead of Tuesday's game with the Cincinnati Reds.
he's baaack 🐐#GoHalos | @MikeTrout https://t.co/4epM3TUyCq pic.twitter.com/IEZOEraNC9
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) August 22, 2023
Trout has been sidelined since early July after fracturing his left hamate bone on a swing during a game against the San Diego Padres.
The 32-year-old is batting second and will patrol center field in his return to action.
Trout said Tuesday he expects to have to deal with pain in his hand for the rest of the season but is planning on playing nearly every day, according to Jeff Fletcher of SoCal News Group.
The Angels have struggled to a 16-22 record in Trout's absence and entered play Tuesday with a 0.4% chance to make the postseason, according to FanGraphs.
Trout was enjoying another productive season at the plate before the injury, posting a .862 OPS with 18 home runs and 44 RBIs across 81 games.
The three-time MVP hasn't appeared in more than 119 games in a season since 2019 due to elbow, calf, hand, groin, and back injuries.