The Los Angeles Angels have been officially eliminated from postseason contention, meaning there remains nothing to play for in 2023. However, the final weeks of the regular season could still provide value as the team prepares for next season, which is why the Angels have not formally ruled out a return for superstar Mike Trout.
Trout suffered a fracture in his left hamate bone in early July and was out for the next six weeks. He attempted to return to the lineup on Aug. 22, but played in one game before being placed back on the injured list. He has been out since and was given some rest before resuming baseball activities.
This week provides the first indication that Trout may be attempting to return before the end of the 2023 season, even if only for a few games. The Angels will be on the road for their final six games of the season away from Angel Stadium, and Trout will be with the team for it.
While on the trip, he may take a big step towards a return, according to Janis Carr of The O.C. Register:
Nevin said he expects Trout to start swinging the bat “really soon,” possibly on this trip that heads to Minnesota after a three-game series against the Rays.
“He wants to play this year; he’s voiced that many times,” Nevin said. “When he feels like it (pain) is tolerable to play in a game again, he will be out there. But I think he’s going to be more cautious this time as to what he was last time and not come out as aggressively.”
The Angels are in Florida to face the Tampa Bay Rays and in Minneapolis against the Minnesota Twins as their final two road series of the season. If Trout does begin swinging while on this trip, it leaves the door open for Trout to get back in the lineup at some point during the team’s final six-game homestand.
L.A. returns to Angel Stadium for three games against the Texas Rangers from Sept. 25-27, then three against the Oakland Athletics from Sept. 29-Oct. 1.
Given the amount of time remaining on the schedule, it remains likelier than not that Trout won’t see the field again this season with a full recovery for the start of 2024. But it appears the Angels will wait as long as possible before shutting that door.
Anthony Rendon has fracture in leg
Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon revealed what many had been speculating but neither he nor the Angels had confirmed. The foul ball injury he suffered was indeed a fracture in his leg, solidifying another season lost to injury for the former All-Star and a hope for a 2024 return.