Mike Trout Injury Update, What Happened to Mike Trout?
by Aishwarya R | Updated Jun 25, 2023
Who is Mike Trout?
Mike Trout is an American professional baseball player who serves as the center fielder for the Los Angeles Angels in Major League Baseball (MLB). With an impressive career, Trout has been selected as an MLB All-Star ten times and has been named the American League (AL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) three times, winning the prestigious award in 2014, 2016, and 2019. Additionally, he has been recognized with the Silver Slugger Award nine times.
In the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Trout also had the honor of captaining the United States national team. Trout was chosen by the Angels in the first round of the 2009 MLB draft. After a brief debut in the major leagues in 2011, he established himself as a regular player for the Angels the following season, earning the unanimous AL Rookie of the Year Award in 2012. Trout's exceptional athleticism and skills on the field have garnered praise from both the mainstream media and sabermetricians.
He is widely regarded as one of the most remarkable young players in the history of baseball and is consistently recognized as one of the best players in MLB today. In his first five full seasons, Trout led the American League in wins above replacement (WAR) and currently holds the highest active WAR with 82. Trout's remarkable achievements and contributions to the sport have solidified his position as a standout player in the history of baseball.
Mike Trout Injury Update
In the past year, there were reports circulating about a significant and potentially career-altering back injury for Mike Trout, the star player of the Los Angeles Angels. It was stated that Trout suffered from a rare condition called costovertebral dysfunction, which was expected to impact his performance throughout his career.
However, despite these concerns, Trout made a successful return to the game last season and continued to play at an exceptionally high level. It appeared that he would not only be able to play through his condition but also maintain his MVP-level performance. In a recent media interview, while serving as the captain of Team USA for the World Baseball Classic, Trout referred to his back as a "non-issue." He revealed that he had been following consistent workout routines and warm-up exercises that kept his back in good shape, and he felt completely healthy heading into the 2023 season. This news is undoubtedly encouraging for Angels fans who are eager to witness another outstanding year from their superstar outfielder.
Despite being 31 years old, Trout has consistently showcased his exceptional skills but has struggled to stay healthy for an entire season. However, even with his limited playing time last year, he became only the sixth player in MLB history to hit 40 or more home runs in 120 or fewer games. Considering this accomplishment, one can only imagine the extraordinary achievements he could accomplish in a full season.
What Happened to Mike Trout?
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout has been absent from gameplay since July 12, 2022, initially due to what was believed to be back spasms. Subsequently, he was placed on the injured list with a diagnosis of rib cage inflammation. However, despite over a week passing, there is still uncertainty regarding his return to the lineup.
Nevertheless, the Angels now have a better understanding of Trout's physical condition. According to Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register, Trout has been diagnosed with a rare condition known as "costovertebral dysfunction at T5." Angels head trainer Mike Frostad provided some insight into the condition to Fletcher, shedding light on its nature and implications.
This more specific diagnosis sheds light on the source of Trout's back injury, clarifying that it stems from costovertebral dysfunction. However, further details regarding the specific timeline for his return remain elusive. Trout's last complete season was in 2019 when he secured his third MVP Award, playing 134 games. If he manages to maintain his health throughout this year, there is no doubt that he will be a strong contender for his fourth MVP title.
Mike Trout Early Life
Mike Trout was born on August 7, 1991, in Vineland, New Jersey, to Jeff and Debbie Trout (née Busonick). He grew up in Millville, New Jersey, located nearby. Trout has an older sister named Teal and an older brother named Tyler. His father, Jeff, played baseball at the University of Delaware and was selected as a fifth-round draft pick by the Minnesota Twins in 1983. However, Jeff's professional career was cut short due to injuries.
Trout developed a strong passion for baseball at a young age and was an avid Philadelphia Phillies fan. In 2008, he even attended the Phillies' World Series parade. He started playing baseball in the Cal Ripken Baseball League, which is a division of the Babe Ruth League. As a youth player, he primarily played as a shortstop and wore the number 2 in honor of his idol, Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees. He later switched to the number 1 during his high school years.
Trout attended Millville Senior High School, where he excelled in both baseball and basketball, earning a total of five letters (three in baseball and two in basketball). During his junior year, he achieved a no-hitter against Egg Harbor Township High School. Although his team made it to the state playoffs, they were ultimately defeated by Cherry Hill High School East. Trout initially played as a pitcher and shortstop but transitioned to the outfield during his senior year. In that final year of high school, he set a New Jersey record by hitting 18 home runs. Prior to the 2009 MLB Draft, Trout had committed to playing baseball at East Carolina University.
Trout also played travel ball with the Tri-State Arsenal, a renowned travel program in the Northeast. He started working with the Arsenal coaches at the age of 14 and participated in various tournaments, including the Perfect Game WWBA Championships in Jupiter, Florida, in 2007 and 2008.
In the summer before his senior year of high school, Trout showcased his skills at the Area Code Games in southern California, impressing with a 6-for-11 performance against some of the country's top players. Angels scout Greg Morhardt, who had played alongside Trout's father in the minor leagues, regarded him as the fastest and strongest 17-year-old he had ever seen. Trout's exceptional talent and accomplishments in his early years laid the foundation for his future success in professional baseball.
Mike Trout Marital Life
Mike Trout, the renowned baseball legend, has made a significant impact as a center fielder for the Los Angeles Angels. Off the field, he is a devoted husband to Jessica Cox and a proud father to their child. Jessica Tara Cox was born on October 5, 1989, in Millville, New Jersey. She attended Millville Senior High School and pursued further education at Lebanon Valley College in Pennsylvania. It is reported that she has a brother named Aaron Cox, who also had a career in baseball.
Cox works as an elementary school teacher in New Jersey and actively participates in charity initiatives, notably with the Angels Wives charity. She is known to be involved in various philanthropic efforts during her free time. Trout and Cox first met at Millville Senior High School, and according to Wedding Style Magazine, it is said that Trout used to sit at the back of the classroom to be closer to his future wife. Despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship while Trout played for the LA Angels, their bond remained strong. Finally, on March 29, 2016, Trout proposed to Cox in a memorable way, with an airplane displaying a banner that read, "Will you marry me, Jess?"
The couple tied the knot on December 9, 2017, in a picturesque estate in Allentown, New Jersey. Trout described their wedding day as an incredibly joyful and loving occasion that he wouldn't change for anything. For their honeymoon, the couple traveled to Hawaii and Bora Bora, enjoying a memorable getaway together. They welcomed their first child, a son named Beckham Aaron Trout, in 2020, as announced on Twitter.
The middle name Aaron is a tribute to Cox's late brother, who tragically passed away at the age of 23. Aaron, a former minor league pitcher for the LA Angels, had faced challenges in his career and eventually retired before his untimely death. Through their personal milestones and shared experiences, Mike Trout and Jessica Cox have formed a strong and loving family, embracing both the joys and challenges that life brings.
Mike Trout Injury Update - FAQs
The previous back injury that Mike Trout experienced was a condition called costovertebral dysfunction.
Despite his back condition, Mike Trout was able to continue playing at a high level by following consistent workout routines and warm-up exercises to keep his back in good shape.
During the World Baseball Classic media availability, Mike Trout referred to his back as a "non-issue" and mentioned that he feels fully healthy heading into the 2023 season.
In recent years, Mike Trout has struggled to stay healthy for a full season, experiencing various injuries that have limited his playing time.
The latest diagnosis regarding Mike Trout's injury is "costovertebral dysfunction at T5." However, there is still uncertainty about his timeline for returning to the lineup.