The Los Angeles Angels announced last week that Anthony Rendon will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a right hip impingement. He had been sidelined since July 6 due to a left hamstring strain and was expected to return within a couple of weeks but sustained the new injury during his rehabilitation efforts.
Losing Rendon for the remainder of the 2021 season marked the latest blow to an Angels lineup that additionally has been without Mike Trout since the middle of May.
The three-time American League MVP continues to work his way back from a Grade 2 calf strain that initially was projected to keep him out of action for 6-8 weeks. Unexpected setbacks altered that timeline but the organization is holding out hope he will be able to play again this season.
Angels general manager Perry Minasian revealed Trout is doing everything in his power to get back on the field as soon as possible, via Daniel Guerrero of MLB.com:
“Mike’s working hard to get back,” Minasian said. “He’s working. Calves are tricky. One thing about Mike is, I have been around a lot of players. I’ve been lucky enough to be around a lot of players in my career, haven’t been around many that love the game as much as he does. I mean, he sleeps it, breathes it, eats it. He’s doing everything he can in his power to get back as soon as he can. From our end, we will not rush him. We want him to feel good about how his calf feels.”
As Minasian pointed out, calf injuries are unpredictable and can vary for any given player. In Trout’s case, he has been able to swing a bat with no limitations but feels discomfort when trying to run at full speed.
One possible idea the Angels have been discussing is moving Trout to a corner outfield spot and keeping Brandon Marsh in center field. The logic behind this is that Trout wouldn’t have to cover as much ground, and thus, lower the chances of him re-injuring his calf.
Aside from a few appearances as a designated hitter, Trout has exclusively played center field since the 2014 season. He last patrolled right field in 2012 and hasn’t played left field since 2013.
Adell thriving in Trout’s absence
With Trout still on the mend, former Angels top prospect Jo Adell has benefitted with regular playing time. After a disappointing 2020 season, he has bounced back to hit .290/.333/.419 with four doubles, four RBI and one stolen base in 33 plate appearances (eight games).
