The Los Angeles Angels’ troubling season took another hit Wednesday night, as Mike Trout exited early during their game against the Seattle Mariners. Now, the three-time MVP has been officially placed on the injured list with a bone bruise in his left knee — but there’s cautious optimism in Anaheim.
Manager Ron Washington shared the update following Thursday’s 2–1 loss to the Detroit Tigers, stating that Trout will miss time but that medical imaging showed no structural damage. For an Angels team already struggling at the bottom of the AL West, any glimmer of good news regarding their superstar outfielder is welcome.
“He has a bone bruise, so we’re going to put him on the IL,” Washington said. “It’s not significant. But he needs rest.” His early exit came during a six-game losing streak for Los Angeles, and Thursday marked his first absence from the lineup as the team began their series against Detroit.
Another setback for Trout, but some relief in the diagnosis
Trout’s injury occurred in the third inning Wednesday while he attempted to leg out a ground ball. The outfielder immediately looked uncomfortable, later admitting that the sensation in his knee was “weird” but not overtly painful.
“After getting treatment stuff, it actually feels a little better,” Trout said postgame, via the team’s official site. “Hopefully, it’s just a little scar tissue breaking up.”
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Still, the Angels opted to proceed cautiously. Trout, who missed a large portion of last season with a torn meniscus in the same knee, has faced a string of frustrating injuries over the last few years — from a fractured hamate bone to calf and back issues.
Angels reeling amid Trout’s absence
The timing couldn’t be worse for an Angels club that has now fallen to last place in the AL West at 12–18. With Trout shelved, Washington and his staff will likely lean more heavily on Taylor Ward and Jo Adell to fill the offensive and defensive void in center field.
The team has not announced a specific timetable for Trout’s return, but initial assessments suggest a relatively short stint on the IL, potentially avoiding another prolonged stretch without their franchise cornerstone. As fans hold their breath, the focus shifts to recovery and regrouping — not just for Trout, but for an Angels squad in urgent need of a spark.
