It’s been two weeks since Trout fractured the hamate bone in his left hand, the latest in a string of injuries that have altered the All-Star’s seasons since 2020. His stitches from surgery have been removed, Trout told media Friday, and the outfielder is back to throwing and mobility work.
When he can pick up a bat again, however, is up to the regenerative powers of Trout’s scar tissue, and neither Trout nor Angels manager Phil Nevin could pinpoint a return date more specific than the six-to-eight week anticipated recovery at the time of Trout’s injury.
“I’m probably driving the training staff crazy right now,” Trout said, when asked if he felt a sense of urgency in returning in the midst of a playoff push.
Trout’s hit .263 with 18 homers and an .862 OPS in 81 games this season, a bat dearly missed as the Angels claw for a wild-card spot.
Nevin said Friday that infielder Brandon Drury, another consistent producer at the plate who has been out since July 2 with a shoulder injury, was “getting closer and closer” to a rehab assignment.