Angels Make Difficult Decision on Star Mike Trout for 2023 Season Amid Injury Struggles

DENVER, CO - Mike Trout (#27) of the Los Angeles Angels follows the flight of a fifth inning solo home run in a game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on June 23, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo : Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Angels have made a final decision regarding one of their stars, Mike Trout, for the 2023 MLB season.

The center fielder has officially been shut down and will not play the team's remaining seven regular season games, according to Angels manager Phil Nevin. 

Trout, who only played one game since being sidelined due to a left hamate fracture during a swing against the Padres on July 3, was moved to the 60-day injured list on Sunday, September 24.

"He had some setbacks and was still feeling some issues in there. I think the biggest thing is he's starting to swing and he's feeling a lot better and more comfortable so he can go into the offseason knowing he's fine for next year," Nevin said.

The 32-year-old made a comeback attempt and played against the Cincinnati Reds on August 22. However, he faced setbacks during that game and hasn't played since.

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Difficult season for Trout

The three-time AL MVP only played in 82 games this season, ending another injury-riddled campaign.

This year marks the third consecutive season marred by injuries for Trout. In 2021, he played only 36 games due to a calf strain suffered in May.

Meanwhile, he was limited to 119 games in 2022 due to a back strain in July, which sidelined him for over a month. 

The eleven-time All-Star posted a batting line of .263/.367/.490, including 18 home runs, 14 doubles, a triple, two stolen bases, and 44 RBIs this season. 

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