Mike Trout not in minor-league lineup, returning to Angels for evaluation after injury setback in rehab start

Jason Owens
Mike Trout hasn't played with the Angels since April 29. (Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)
Mike Trout hasn't played with the Angels since April 29. (Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) (Brandon Sloter via Getty Images)

Mike Trout lasted two innings into the first game of his attempted comeback from a meniscus tear and knee surgery.

The Los Angeles Angels announced that Trout left Tuesday's game with the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees because of knee soreness. On Wednesday, the Angels announced that Trout would not be in the Bees' lineup and was returning to the Angels for evaluation. Further details of his condition were not immediately clear.

“After the at-bat, after he came back in, he felt the need to say something,” said Bees' manager Keith Johnson said. “We took him out as a precaution.”

Trout hasn't played since injuring his knee on April 29 and subsequently undergoing surgery to repair the torn meniscus in his left knee. Tuesday marked his first game of his rehab assignment. With a successful rehab assignment, he could've returned to the Angels' lineup as soon as this week. It's unclear now when Trout is projected to return.

“I just think if there is anything that needs to be done, they want to do it with people who are very familiar with him — with his injury and with the organization,” Johnson said. “I’m not sure if you can read into it, or if there is anything I’ve been told about that. I’m just sure if there are people that he needs to see, rather than it be the doctors down here, they’d rather it be the doctors that know him, know his history.”

Trout was in good spirits pregame and took time to sign autographs for fans who showed up to watch the three-time AL MVP play a minor-league game. He told team reporter Sammy Miller before the game that his knee "feels great."

"Looking forward to getting out there tonight," Trout said. "I'm excited. ... Obviously took longer than I thought. I feel 100% right now."

He then jogged from the outfield without any apparent issues after playing defense in the first inning.

He then played the second inning but did not return for the third.

Trout, 32, struggled at the plate prior to his injury, with a .220/.325/.541 slash line in 29 games with the Angels. He did find his power when he made good contact, with 10 home runs and 14 RBI in 109 at-bats.

The 44-57 Angels are eight games out of first place in the AL West and 11.5 games back of wild-card contention. There's no motivation for the Angels to rush Trout back if there's any risk of further injury.

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