Los Angeles Angels Star Mike Trout Takes Crucial First Step in Return From Hamate Bone Injury

Los Angeles Angeles star Mike Trout took a critical first step towards getting back on the field on Friday.

If the Los Angeles Angels are going to make the playoffs for the first time since 2014, they are going to need Mike Trout to contribute.

Trout, on the injured list since before the All-Star break with a broken hamate bone, took a critical first step in his recovery on Friday.

The following update comes from the Rotowire fantasy baseball portal:

Trout (hand/wrist) had the stitches removed Wednesday from his surgically repaired left hand, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

ANALYSIS
Trout hasn't been cleared yet for any baseball activity, but he's on the mend following July 5 surgery to remove the fractured hamate bone from his left hand. The Angels should have a better idea on a timetable for his return once he starts swinging a bat. The initial expectation was that he would be sidelined for 4-8 weeks, and he seems to be trending toward the earlier part of that range.

Trout is hitting .263 this season with 18 homers and 44 RBI.

One of the best players in the history of the sport, he's a three-time MVP and a nine-time Silver Slugger winner.

He was also named to his 11th All-Star Game this year, but was unable to play.

Entering play on Friday, the Angels are 49-48 and in third place in the American League West. They also are 5.0 games back of the final wild card spot in the AL.

At the time of this posting, they are tied 0-0 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The game is in the bottom of the second inning.

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