'I'm not worried': Trout dealing with long-term back issue

KANSAS CITY -- After receiving a cortisone shot to relieve back/left ribcage irritation on July 21, Mike Trout continues to play the waiting game. Angels head trainer Mike Frostad said Wednesday that it could be up to two weeks from the time of the shot before Trout feels its full benefits.

On a much larger scale, however, Frostad revealed what could be much more troubling news. Trout has a rare condition in his back -- costovertebral dysfunction at T5 -- that he will likely have to manage for the rest of his playing days.

"I think we have to have some concern on that," Frostad said. "He's a little more upbeat today and starting to feel like he's getting the benefits. But long-term, we do have to look at this as something he has to manage not just through the rest of this season but also through the rest of his career probably."

After pregame reports about Trout's condition began to circulate, the Angels star addressed the media after Wednesday's 4-0 win over the Royals to clarify the situation.

"I think [Frostad] meant I have to stay on top of my routine that I do on a daily basis to prevent it from coming back," Trout said. "I feel good where it's at right now. Every day, it's improving. I felt really good today."

Asked if he thinks he's going to play again this season, Trout replied: "Of course. That's my goal. I'm going to see the doctor Sunday. Just a checkup. And go from there. The last two days have been huge steps. I'm excited the way it's going and happy with it. "

Trout said he received numerous phone messages of concern following the initial reports.

"It's not what the report came out," Trout said.

"I got back and my phone was blowing up, said my career's over. That's news to me. It's just that I've got to stay on top of it. It's rare for a baseball player. That's the thing. Just have to stay on top of it.

"I think it's a little exaggeration. I appreciate all the prayer requests, but my career isn't over.

"I'm not worried about it. You swing a lot and things pop up. I was playing through it for a little bit and it just got to the point where it was time to figure it out."

Trout will have a follow-up with his doctor next week. While unable to resume baseball activities, he's begun doing core and cardio work. But no matter when he returns in the immediate future, his condition is something he and the club will have to monitor moving forward.

"This is a pretty rare condition that he has in his back," Frostad said. "For it to happen to a baseball player ... we have to take into consideration what he puts himself through with hitting, swinging on a daily basis to get prepared and also playing in the outfield. There are so many things that can aggravate it."