Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout has returned to the lineup after missing almost two months with an injury, but is it too late to make a difference?
That’s the question the MLB world is asking after the Angels activated the three-time AL MVP from the IL on Tuesday. Trout had not played since July 3, when he broke a bone in his hand and had to undergo surgery.
Trout missed 38 games and his absence hurt, as the Angels went 16-22 during that span.
he's baaack 🐐#GoHalos | @MikeTrout https://t.co/4epM3TUyCq pic.twitter.com/IEZOEraNC9
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) August 22, 2023
The Angels went all-in at the trade deadline for a postseason push, trading some top talent for veterans, only to go into a tailspin in early August. Obviously, the lineup looks more formidable with Trout, but the team is facing an uphill climb in the playoff race. Los Angeles began the day 61-64 and nine games out of the final wild-card playoff spot.
They’re a long shot, but there is still a chance, and Trout’s big bat will make an immediate difference. He has 18 home runs and a .862 OPS this season.
The baseball world had mixed thoughts on whether Trout can save the Angels season.
A healthy Trout having a solid September could make the wild card race have flavor
— Thuuuuney (@thuuuuney) August 22, 2023
They would have to be better than the 2019 Nationals comeback then
— The Report On Sports (@ReportOnSports) August 22, 2023
🚨MIKE TROUT IS BACK IN ACTION!
Is it too late for the Angels to make a playoff push? 🤔
pic.twitter.com/LnH2oCyIvK— Bodog (@BodogCA) August 22, 2023
Season still over
— Truth Takes (@truthsportakes) August 22, 2023
Just in time to miss the playoffs 🔥
— dustin (@DJ_DoesSports) August 22, 2023
At least we get to see the last dance of ohtani and trout
— Baseball Is Everything (@PiratesAreBad) August 22, 2023
