Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout is back on the roster after missing 26 games this campaign due to a bone bruise on his left knee. The outfielder was activated ahead of the series opener against the Cleveland Guardians on Friday.
Trout had a decent start to his 2025 season, but injury played spoilsport and sidelined him for some time for a third year running. The 33-year-old now aims to finish the 2025 season strong with the Halos.
Mike Trout Shared a Social Media Post Ahead of His Comeback With the Angels on Friday
Before Trout rejoined the roster for the practice session ahead of the series opener against the Guardians at Progressive Field on Friday, he shared an Instagram post hyping his comeback to the roster after a month-long stint on the IL. The caption on the post read, “Pumped to get back out there with the boys.”
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Trout started Friday’s series opener as a designated hitter for the Halos. He finished the game 1 for 5 as the visitors took game 1 of the three-game series 4-1. Reflecting on his positive outing, Trout addressed media personnel after the game and said, “Felt good. Struck out on two at-bats, but other than that felt all right.”
Angels manager Ron Washington was also happy at the sight of a fit Trout back in the lineup and hitting behind the cleanup spot. Washington said, “I thought he had some good at-bats considering that he hadn’t seen live pitching in a while. He hit the ball hard three times today. They made some good pitches when he struck out. But welcome back, Mike.”
Mike Trout Reflected on Being Cautious While Manager Ron Washington Explained His Batting Spot
While talking to the media after the game, Trout reflected on taking a calm and steady approach for the next few games before he can fully settle in at his usual batting spot. He said, “Bone bruises are tricky. I know I am going to be sore, but I can deal with it. I definitely have to be cautious, especially the first couple of games.”
The Halos manager also shed light on directing Trout to bat at the fifth spot for the first few games back with the team, adding, “He hasn’t seen anything. So when you look at what we have, that’s where he sits… He’s not ready to be at the top of the lineup, especially with those guys up there. As we go along the next couple of days, he’s not going to remain fifth.”
Trout is batting with an average of .180 with nine home runs, 18 RBIs, and a .727 OPS. Given enough time till the end of the regular season in 2025, the three-time AL MVP can definitely bounce back and produce an emphatic offensive stat line, provided he remains in good health for the remaining campaign.