
“It felt good.”
That was what Mike Trout said Wednesday regarding his first in-game long ball since April of last year. The solo homer came off veteran righty Bryan Shaw of the Reds.
It’s already been a Spring Training of transition for Trout. The three-time MVP is preparing to move over to right field from his long-held position in center. He will also likely see a share of the starts at DH this year.
For the Angels, it is all about trying everything to keep Trout’s bat in the lineup. He is entering his age-33 season and has averaged only 67 per year since 2021 with a high of 119 in 2022.
Last year, despite only batting .237, Trout blasted 10 home runs over his first 25 games while posting a .919 OPS. It appeared as if he was going to produce a strong campaign for the Angels. It was not meant to be, however, as he hit the shelf due to a meniscus tear in his left knee on April 29.
Trout ultimately underwent two surgeries last year, as he reinjured the knee during a Triple-A rehab game in late July. He’s fully recovered now and ready to reassert himself as a premier slugger in the league.
MIKE TROUT HOME RUN!!!!! pic.twitter.com/KUN9m3LVLv
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) February 26, 2025
The power display from Trout is obviously a welcome sight for the Angels. The club has gone out and made some significant additions this offseason in an attempt to give their superstar an improved supporting cast, including Jorge Soler’s powerful bat and Yusei Kikuchi to lead the rotation.
The Angels have not had a winning season since 2015 with their last playoff appearance coming in 2014. Trout’s health and productivity are the most important factors to change that in 2025.
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