Mike Trout took live batting practice. But the Angels still won’t tell you when he’s back.

Mike Trout stepped onto the field before Tuesday’s game and did something he hasn’t done in weeks. He ran the bases. He took live batting practice. For a guy who’s been stuck on the injured list with a hamstring strain, that’s real progress.

But here’s where the good news gets complicated. The Angels still don’t have a return date for him. Manager Ron Washington put it bluntly to reporters including Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com: “He’s progressing. We still don’t know the timetable but I think the activity level is ramping up a little bit and I know he’s starting to feel better so that’s a good thing.”

That’s about as specific as they’ll get. And honestly, you can’t blame them.

Soft tissue problems are tricky

Trout has dealt with a lot of injuries over the years. Knees, calves, a torn meniscus, a hamate bone issue. Soft tissue stuff is its own kind of problem though. Push too hard too fast and you’re back on the IL for another month. The Angels have been burned before by rushing guys back. They’re not doing it with their franchise player.

So they wait. And Trout waits. And fans refresh injury report pages like it’s their job.

He was actually having a decent year

Before the hamstring grabbed him, Trout was hitting .234 with 17 home runs, 36 RBIs and seven stolen bases. That average isn’t pretty but the power numbers are there. He’s already matched his steals total from last season and he’s on pace to blow past his 2023 home run and RBI totals. He leads the Angels in home runs and sits third in RBIs and steals.

You look at a guy who’s been hurt this much and you start wondering if he’s still the same player. The numbers say he kind of is. At least when he’s on the field.

The problem is the Angels as a whole. They’re 32-48 and nine games back in the AL West. Trout being good hasn’t made them good. That’s not really his fault but it’s the reality of the situation.

What matters right now is that hamstring. Trout is moving in the right direction but soft tissue injuries are unpredictable. He could be back in a week. Could be three. The Angels aren’t saying which one it’ll be. They just want him healthy before they let him loose again.