Mike Trout reaches level in recovery we haven’t seen in nearly a month

Mike Trout is now participating in on-field activities for the LA Angels for the first time since his setback on July 22nd.

He suffered that setback while running. Running is the true test to how Trout’s recovery is going to go, as it tests how well his calf is working with the rest of his leg to move.

That setback was significant, and has kept him out until now. With Trout both traveling with the team, and now going back onto the field, he seems to be really progressing though.

If Mike Trout can come back soon in this next week and a half or so, the LA Angels would have a competitive team.

According to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com, Mike Trout was playing catch and moving around in the outfield before the game yesterday. This wasn’t a one-time thing; he’s legitimately improving.

Bollinger also reported that LA Angels manager Joe Maddon said Trout is moving closer to a rehab assignment. We may not know when, but I like the sound of that.

Let’s say the Halos get Trout back for September/October. We play 29 games in those two months. Only seven of them come against under .500 teams (all against the Rangers). If we want to go on a run this season, we’re going to need Trout for that brutal stretch.

Remember that Trout was having maybe the best year of his career before he went down. He was hitting .333 and was getting on-base at a .466 rate. Those were both career-highs, along with his 1.090 OPS.

He has eight home runs and 23 runs scored in just 36 games. Despite playing in few games like that, he still was selected as the All-Star game starter in center field.

He hasn’t made an error in multiple seasons, and I’ll take him back as soon as possible. If that means he plays right field, then that means he plays right field.

We just need him back in the lineup, and we’ll be a significantly better team.