(RoyalPatriot.com )- It is unfortunate for Mike Trout, his club, and baseball fans all around the country that he is unable to stay on the field.
When Trout’s “very unique” back problem was made public on Wednesday, it appeared that things had taken a turn for the worst for him. Even a famous back surgeon had not seen “a lot of them,” Los Angeles Angels sports trainer Mike Frostad said to reporters.
And for it to happen in a baseball player, you have to consider the strain he puts himself through every day swinging and hitting, as well as through outfield play where he may dive for balls or jump into walls, among other things. There are a lot of factors that might make it worse. But this doctor hasn’t dealt with it very much.
Fans quickly assumed the worst, pointing out that back problems had ended the careers of David Wright, Matt Harvey, and others; however, Trout promptly dispelled that notion.
He jokingly said he appreciated all the prayer wishes, but “my career is not done.”
Trout kept it short and sweet when asked whether he had any long-term worries, though he did acknowledge that the disease is something he has to “keep on top of.”
“I feel a little exaggeration there,” Trout added.
It doesn’t worry him at all. It’s simply one of those situations where things happen when you play and swing a lot.
He also mentioned that he has already made significant improvements and anticipates returning this season.
That is my aim, he declared. “I’ll visit a doctor on Sunday just to be sure, and then we’ll see what happens. It has been a significant move over the past two days. I’m thrilled with how things are developing. It makes me joyful.”
The 10-time All-Star was a front-runner earlier this season when he was batting for his fourth AL MVP Award.
In his first 43 games of the season, he batted 320 with a 1.095 OPS. He has since been batting .209, most likely because he admitted to playing despite the injuries. The Angels have a 42-56 record.
Trout is once again on the disabled list and has not participated in more than 140 games in a season since 2016. Last season, he participated in just 36 games.