Mike Trout gave Angels fans a scare Wednesday when he left the game against the Mariners with discomfort in his left knee — the same knee that cost him most of the 2024 season.
The 33-year-old superstar appeared to tweak something while running to first base but initially stayed in the game to play defense. He was later removed for a pinch hitter in his next at-bat.
After the game, Angels manager Ron Washington downplayed concerns, saying he pulled Trout as a precaution after the outfielder reported some soreness. Trout himself offered an encouraging update.
Trout said it’s already feeling better. He had some tests already. He said he’s going to try to play tomorrow.
That’s promising news for an Angels team that’s finally seeing a healthy version of their franchise cornerstone. Trout has already played 28 games this season, nearly matching his career-low 29 appearances from last year when he tore his meniscus in the same knee.
The Angels will likely be extremely cautious with their star. They’re set to host a four-game series at home beginning Thursday before getting a day off next Monday — giving them flexibility to rest Trout if needed.
Durability has become the primary concern for the three-time MVP. After being remarkably healthy early in his career, Trout’s body has betrayed him over the past five seasons. Since 2021, he’s battled calf issues, back problems, a broken hamate bone, and last year’s torn meniscus.
Here’s Mike Trout’s injury moment from Wednesday’s game:
Here's Mike Trout's last AB. He returned to the field after this though. pic.twitter.com/BQin7u444G
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) April 30, 2025
What makes this situation particularly concerning is Trout’s slow start to the 2025 campaign. Despite his 9 home runs, he’s hitting just .173 with a .722 OPS through his first 28 games — well below his career standards.
Trout’s Year-by-Year Stats
| Year | Games | Home Runs | RBIs | Runs | Hits | BA | OPS |
| 2011 | 40 | 5 | 16 | 20 | 27 | .220 | .672 |
| 2012 | 139 | 30 | 83 | 129 | 182 | .326 | .962 |
| 2013 | 157 | 27 | 97 | 109 | 190 | .323 | .988 |
| 2014 | 157 | 36 | 111 | 115 | 173 | .287 | .939 |
| 2015 | 159 | 41 | 90 | 104 | 172 | .299 | .991 |
| 2016 | 159 | 29 | 100 | 123 | 173 | .315 | .991 |
| 2017 | 114 | 33 | 72 | 92 | 123 | .306 | 1.071 |
| 2018 | 140 | 39 | 79 | 101 | 147 | .312 | 1.088 |
| 2019 | 134 | 45 | 104 | 110 | 137 | .291 | 1.083 |
| 2020 | 53 | 17 | 46 | 41 | 56 | .281 | .993 |
| 2021 | 36 | 8 | 18 | 23 | 39 | .333 | 1.090 |
| 2022 | 119 | 40 | 80 | 85 | 124 | .283 | .999 |
| 2023 | 82 | 18 | 44 | 54 | 81 | .263 | .858 |
| 2024 | 29 | 10 | 14 | 17 | 24 | .220 | .867 |
| 2025 | 28 | 9 | 18 | 14 | 18 | .173 | .722 |
The contrast between Trout’s early career durability and recent fragility is stark. From 2013-2016, he played at least 157 games in three of four seasons. Since 2017, he’s topped 140 games just once.
All things considered, the Angels and Trout seem optimistic this won’t develop into a significant setback. But with his injury history, fans will be holding their breath until he’s back in the lineup and running without limitations.
