Trout 'feeling good' as he recovers from knee surgery

ANAHEIM -- Angels superstar Mike Trout spoke to the media before Saturday’s 4-3 loss to the Guardians and said he’s making progress after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee on May 3. There is still no timetable for his return.

Trout, a three-time AL MVP and 11-time All-Star, said he receives treatment twice a day at Angel Stadium and has progressed to riding a bike and using an elliptical. His next step will be walking and eventually jogging on an Ultra G treadmill, which reduces the impact of running on the legs. Once he’s able to do that, he’ll start ramping up his baseball activities.

Trout is roughly three weeks removed from the operation, and the recovery is generally about six to eight weeks. For a recent example, D-backs shortstop Geraldo Perdomo had his meniscus repaired on April 9 and is considered close to being activated from the injured list.

“I’m feeling good,” Trout said. “Every day it's getting better. Just coming in rehabbing and just trying to get the strength around it back. It’s crazy how much you lose when you're not really walking on it. So, just trying to get strength back. I've been doing a lot of stretching, a lot of different activities in the weight room. Nothing like running yet or jogging. But pretty close.”

Trout, 32, still doesn’t know how he sustained the injury and he said on May 9 that he could have played through the injury as a designated hitter, but decided to get the operation and return at full strength. He said he’s still not sure when he’ll be able to start baseball activities, but he’s getting closer.

“I haven’t even talked about it,” Trout said. “I think getting me on the Ultra G is the first step. Once that happens, I think it could ramp up. They have a plan for me, but we’re not there yet. Just take it one day at a time and whenever it feels right, I’ll be out there.”

Angels manager Ron Washington said he’s looking forward to getting a healthy Trout back into the lineup. But he said he doesn't want Trout to rush back and risk any further injury. Trout was hitting .220/.325/.541 with 10 homers, one double, two triples, 14 RBIs and six stolen bases in 29 games before sustaining the injury on April 29. The Angels have gone 9-13 in his absence.

The Angels have gone 9-14 in his absence, including their loss on Saturday. Mickey Moniak, who started in center in Trout’s absence, went 1-for-4, while left fielder Taylor Ward hit a three-run homer. Trout also joined the Angels broadcast in the second inning on Saturday to give an update on his knee.

“What team wouldn't be eager to have Mike Trout back,” Washington said. “So we’re very eager, but we want him back healthy. You don't want him back trying to play through anything. So we’ve just got to hold it down until he gets back.”

Trout said it’s frustrating dealing with yet another injury, but that he’s trying to stay optimistic. He enjoys being in the dugout with his teammates to support them and give them advice, but it’s obvious he’s itching to get back on the field.

“Just trying to stay positive and just trying to do as much as I can to get it right and just support my teammates,” Trout said. “It is what it is. I can’t change it. I'm just trying to think positive through the process and use it as motivation just to get back fully healthy.”

Trout said the pain has lessened over time, as he mostly feels discomfort and aching in the area. He said it’s important to trust in the process and build up his strength with his treatments he receives at the stadium.

“Doing stuff in the weight room and stuff, we’re not trying to just baby it,” Trout said. “We’re trying to see where I'm at. Obviously, I don't want to go too crazy and push it to a limit it shouldn't be. I think I'm getting to the point where I can just trust it and go from there.”