Mike Trout Is Back from the IL. The Angels Need Him More Than the All-Star Game Does.

The last time Mike Trout played in an All-Star Game, Ronald Acuña Jr. was a rookie. That was 2019. A lot has changed since then, including Trout’s own body. But according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports, the 34-year-old outfielder is officially off the 10-day IL and is expected to be available for next week’s Midsummer Classic in Arlington.

Trout hasn’t played since June 17, when he strained his right hamstring running the bases in a loss to the Diamondbacks. He was hitting .234 at the time — not great for a three-time MVP, but he still had 17 homers and a .394 OBP. The Angels, as usual, are in a tough spot. They’re 12 games under .500 and probably not making the playoffs. But having Trout back, even if it’s just to DH, matters to a franchise that’s been starved for good news.

He’ll bat second as the designated hitter Wednesday against the Texas Rangers. It’s his first game action in more than three weeks. The team hasn’t officially confirmed his All-Star status yet, but all signs point to him playing. Trout has already said he’s skipping the Home Run Derby, so the focus is just on getting back on the field and staying healthy.

Five games to shake off the rust

The All-Star Game is Tuesday, July 14. That gives Trout a handful of games to get his timing back. He’s a career .299 hitter, and even in a down year, his on-base skills are elite. The bigger question is whether he can stay healthy for the second half. He’s played more than 100 games only once in the last five seasons.

There’s something weird about seeing Mike Trout as a part-time player. For a guy who used to be automatic for 40 homers and a .300 average, the injuries have started to pile up. Calf strains, back issues, now a hamstring. He’s still a superstar when he’s on the field, but the “when he’s on the field” part is getting harder to count on.

Still, for one night at the All-Star Game, it’ll be good to see him out there. Baseball is always better when Trout is playing. The Angels just need him for more than just a few weeks at a time.