TEMPE, Ariz. – Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout, a three-time American League MVP, made a significant stride in his comeback, launching his first home run of spring training. The solo blast over the left-field wall on Wednesday signaled his efforts to regain form following several seasons hindered by injuries.
The 33-year-old slugger crushed the homer in the third inning off Cincinnati Reds reliever Bryan Shaw. Though serving as the designated hitter, Trout intends to primarily play in right field this season. By switching from his traditional center field position, the Angels hope to better manage his health and longevity.
“It felt really good,” Trout commented on the homer. “I’ve been having some solid at-bats, getting to see the pitches and then getting a positive outcome.”
Trout’s recent seasons have been marred by injuries, limiting his play to just 29 games last year before undergoing surgery on May 3 to fix a torn meniscus in his left knee. Earlier, he was restricted to 36 games in 2021 due to a strained right calf. In 2022, he dealt with an upper back and ribcage issue that sidelined him from July 12 to August 19. Additionally, a fouled pitch on July 3, 2023, fractured the hamate bone in his left hand, causing him to miss all but one game after that incident.
The last time Trout was able to play a full and productive season was in 2019 when he secured his most recent MVP title. That year, he achieved a .291 batting average with 45 home runs and 104 RBIs. Over his 14-year career with the Angels, Trout boasts a .299 average and 378 home runs.
Adapting to right field seems to be going smoothly for Trout. He experienced his first game in that position during spring training and is expected to return to right field later this week.
“Looking forward to it, getting some reads off the bat,” Trout expressed. “There’s different visuals you must adapt to, as well as varying angles at different stadiums. While it’ll be an adjustment, I’m embracing the challenge.”
