Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout is optimistic his latest stint on the injured list will end after the minimum 10-day period.
The Angels placed Trout on the IL on Friday with a bone bruise in his left knee, which he sustained two days earlier while running out a ground ball.
"Yesterday I was pretty sore, but today is a lot better," Trout told reporters Friday, including Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register.
The injury marks the latest health setback for Trout, who hasn't played more than 130 games in a season since 2019. He was limited to 29 contests last year after tearing his left meniscus and undergoing surgery twice. The Angels moved Trout to right field full time in 2025 in an attempt to keep him healthy.
However, the three-time AL MVP expressed confidence that this injury is different. Trout noted that there's no structural damage and that the bruise is already feeling better, per Fletcher. He also added that he's able to walk without issue.
"I didn't feel a pop or anything, I just felt something weird," Trout said when describing how the injury occurred, per Mike DiGiovanna of The Associated Press. "I thought it was just scar tissue breaking up. ... I kind of lunged to the side (of the bag) and it smashed the two bones. I haven't felt anything in my knee for the last three, four months. I've been feeling good."
For now, Trout will continue to rest. He said he's taking a few additional days off to ensure that the issue is fully healed, according to ESPN's Alden González.
The 33-year-old hit nine homers in his first 29 games to start this season but owns a lower-than-usual .179/.264/.462 slash line in 121 plate appearances.
After putting Trout on the IL, the Angels recalled first baseman Niko Kavadas from Triple-A Salt Lake City in a corresponding move.
