Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington made it clear that the team is prepared to keep three-time MVP Mike Trout in the designated hitter role for the remainder of the season if that’s what it takes to keep him healthy and in the lineup.
“Mike wants to be a complete player, but we’re not going to push him back out there until he’s fully ready,” Washington said. “If that means he DHs through the All-Star break or even the rest of the season, then that’s what we’ll do. We’re not taking any risks with Mike. We need his presence, and we need him in the lineup.”
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Trout returned to action on May 30 after being sidelined for a month with a bone bruise in his surgically repaired left knee. He suffered the injury on April 30 while running to first base against the Mariners, forcing an early exit. The Angels approached his recovery cautiously, especially since Trout had already missed most of the 2024 season with issues related to the same knee, appearing in just 29 games prior to his return.
Since 2021, Trout has surpassed the 100-game mark only once — in 2022 when he played 119 games — underscoring why the Angels are being so careful this time around. While they’re protecting their star, Washington expects Trout’s competitive nature to push him back to the outfield when he feels ready.
“A week after he returned, I can already tell Mike is going to want back out there soon,” Washington added.
Trout’s value has only grown since rejoining the lineup. The 11-time All-Star is hitting .326 since coming off the injured list. Although his power numbers have dipped slightly, his on-base percentage has jumped by over .100 points compared to before his injury, making him a crucial spark for the Angels’ offense.
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Trout’s return has helped fuel the Angels’ recent climb in the AL West standings — they entered Friday’s matchup against the Orioles tied for second place. Whether he returns to the outfield or not remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: for the Angels to stay in the playoff hunt, keeping Trout healthy is absolutely essential.
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