Angels News: Phil Nevin Says Mike Trout Took a Big Leap Forward in Comeback

Trout is starting to swim upstream again in positive recovery.

Mike Trout needs the Angels and the Angels need Mike Trout. Since July 3rd, the last game Mike Trout played in, the Angels are 13-19 and have been struggling as a team even after a pair of big swings at this year's trade deadline.

The 32-year-old centerfielder suffered a broken hamate bone against the Padres and has been out of commission since.

However, the future Hall of Famer has been making some huge steps on his road to recovery in the last week. None bigger than the leap he took this weekend.

Nevin: "Today was the most encouraged (Trout) has been by the swings he's taken."

Next step for Trout is facing the high velo machine. Nevin said that could be today or tomorrow.

"It's just a matter of how he feels each day as he's progressing through his work in the cage."

— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) August 12, 2023

Trout is feeling better and it could not have come at a better time for the Halos. After going all in at the trade deadline this year the team has won just 2 games since August 1st.

Pitching struggles from arms like Reid Detmers and Lucas Giolito and late-game shortcomings from the team's All-Star closer have combined for an abysmal 2-9 record.

While Trout may not be having the best 2023 for his standards he still put up impressive numbers and was rewarded with his 11th All-Star selection in 13 years.

Hitting at a .263 average, .862 OPS, and 18 home runs is something any team, especially the Angels can use right now. 

Losing Taylor Ward for the rest of the regular season was a huge hit to the team but a return of Mike Trout will more than make up for the unfortunate injury.

Sitting at 58-60 the Halos will be over 6 games behind the last Wild Card spot, but their window for October baseball has not closed just yet.

The team needs a big bat to return to the lineup and inject some energy into a team hopeful of making the playoffs, and Mike Trout is just that.