Angels News: Mike Trout Provides Positive Injury Update Amid Recovery

Finally some positive news for the Angels!

As the Angels try to navigate all the noise around them about the possibility of them trading away two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, many have forgotten about their other star. That would be outfielder Mike Trout, who has been on the injured list for the last few weeks dealing with a fractured left hamate.

His injury coincided with a string of poor play that saw the Angels fall in the standings. Their struggles of late have made the questions surrounding Ohtani grow even louder. But prior to their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday, the Angels got some good news regarding their injured star.

Mike Trout had the stitches removed from his left hand on Wednesday. Said he has to wait for the cut to fully heal before swinging and then he’ll get a better feel for a timeline. But said he feels good.

— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) July 21, 2023

This is great news for the Angels as they continue to push towards the top of the standings prior to the trade deadline. If the team can continue their recent string of victories, it could see them hold onto Ohtani and hope for the best the rest of the way. 

The original timetable for Trout to return was early to mid-August, so it seems like he is on track with what was thought. His injury was a massive blow to the Angels but they are hopeful that he can return in a few weeks, and be his productive self once again. 

Getting Trout back sometime in August would go a long way for this team, but this update could end up changing things regarding Ohtani. Trout has been one of the best players in baseball for a long time, and his absence has been felt in the Angels lineup.

On the season, Trout is hitting .263 with 18 home runs and 44 runs batted in. The former MVP creates a strong duo with Ohtani when healthy, and if the Angels are going to make a playoff push, they need both of them. 

Trout's injury is just one factor in what happens with Ohtani, so at least for now, maybe the trade rumors will quiet down.