Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout will be eligible to return from the 60-day IL on July 17, two days after the conclusion of the All-Star break. However, it’s unlikely that he’ll play for the Angels on that day, as he’s still a few steps away from being able to play in a Major League game.
Over the last couple weeks, Angels fans have received continued positive news out of Trout. He quickly went from no baseball activities whatsoever to taking batting practice and throwing from 90 feet. What has remained consistent from Trout and from the Angels is that running would be the final and most difficult step.
As we near the All-Star break and the 60-day mark since Trout’s injury, it appears running — and a rehab assignment — are all that’s left for Trout to finish before he can return, according to MLB.com:
Trout, who has been out since May 17, has no throwing or hitting limitations, but he is still working his way through a running progression. He’ll need to go on a rehab assignment before returning, and that is expected to come shortly after the All-Star break. The affiliate that will welcome Trout has yet to be determined.
With COVID-19 health and safety protocols relaxed, Trout does not have to go to Triple-A for his rehab assignment. To help him ease back into things a little better, it’s likely he goes to a lower-level affiliate first.
However, Triple-A is not out of the question, as that’s where L.A. Dodgers star Cody Bellinger went for his rehab assignment from a hairline fracture in his leg. Trout’s injury was not quite as severe, meaning nothing is out of the cards.
Hopefully, Trout finishes the remainder of rehab process smoothly and without setbacks. If that’s the case, he could be back with the Halos shortly after the second half of the season begins. They need him as soon as possible, as they sit 4.5 games back of the second wild card spot as of July 9.
Angels looking to clean up small mistakes in final two games of first half
The Angels had a great opportunity to keep their winning ways going in the series opener against the Seattle Mariners. However, walks and defensive mistakes allowed the AL West rivals to climb back into the game and ultimately win 7-3 off of a Mitch Haniger grand slam in the eighth inning.
With two games left in the series, the Angels must clean things up in an attempt to win both games and put themselves firmly in the wild card race for the second half of the season.
