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Angels' Mike Trout Addresses Career Decision After Latest Injury

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin M. Groe | Last updated Jul 15, 2025 2:35 PM ET

Mike Trout is in his fifteenth major-league season with the Los Angeles Angels since being selected in the first round of the 2009 MLB Draft.

The 33-year-old immediately launched himself into superstardom after taking home AL Rookie of the Year in 2012 along with a second-place finish in MVP voting.

Since then, he established himself as one of the greatest players baseball has ever seen, collecting three MVP awards, 11 All-Star Game appearances, and nine Silver Sluggers.

In 1,588 career games with the Angels, Trout has a .296 batting average, a .985 OPS, 1,706 hits and 395 home runs.

As Trout enters the later stages of his career, he has dealt with a significant number of injuries limiting his playing time over the past few years.

Since returning from the injured list on May 30 due to a bone bruise on his right knee—the same knee he had surgery on last season due to a torn meniscus—Trout has been a full-time designated hitter for the Angels.

However, Trout has made the decision to still attempt to return to the outfield after the All-Star Break.

"I think after the break. Start doing drill back in the outfield and get back out there," Trout said via Thomas Murray. "I'm not putting any day on it but I think having a couple days off for the break."

"I still feel a little achy here and there but I think the four days will give me some time to rest a little bit and come back and do some outfield stuff and see how it feels."

Before the season began, the Angels traded for Jorge Soler to become the team’s DH, but with Trout’s injury, Soler has been playing right field.

Despite the setbacks, in 70 games this season, Trout is batting .238 with an .836 OPS and 17 home runs, still showcasing his elite power.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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