Trout undergoes successful surgery on thumb
Angels hopeful innovative method can help star return sooner
ANAHEIM -- Angels star Michael Trout underwent successful surgery on Wednesday to repair the torn ulnar collateral ligament and dorsal capsule in his left thumb. The procedure was performed by Dr. Steven Shin in Los Angeles.
"The surgery went well, so now we're in rehab phase," manager Mike Scioscia said. "We're going to count the days. We're excited that everything went well, and hopefully we'll continue to get good news as he starts to work through his rehab."
Trout, the reigning American League MVP, is projected to miss six to eight weeks, dealing a major blow to the Angels' hopes of contending for a playoff spot this season. There is a chance that Trout could recover from the injury faster than expected, however, as his surgery used a method called the internal brace, a medical innovation that helped shortstop Andrelton Simmons return from a similar injury in five weeks last year.
"It's a development that is very new," Scioscia said. "I'm not exactly sure what it looks like and what it does, but I know that it's in there and it will hopefully get a stronger repair and something that will hold up a little longer."
Simmons, who suffered a full tear of the UCL in his left thumb last May, was also given an initial six-to-eight-week timetable, but he recently said the brace allowed him to begin rehab two days after surgery and ultimately helped him beat his prognosis.
"During the rehab, there's that extra support," Simmons explained. "Even though the ligament is not completely healed, you can start getting movement and getting the swelling out. You'll get that process before you sit and wait for the ligament to be attached completely. I was like one step ahead. I was already moving somewhat, and by the time it was pretty much healed up and the swelling went down enough, I was pretty much good to do a lot of baseball activities. It was still sore in the beginning, but it was still quicker than a lot of people would think."
Worth noting
• Outfielder Cameron Maybin was out of the lineup for a second straight game with tightness in his side, though Scioscia said he was "improving."
"He's going to get his treatment and see if he can swing today," Scioscia said. "Then we'll evaluate him and see if he's available."
With Trout on the disabled list and Maybin ailing, the Angels called up outfielder Shane Robinson from Triple-A Salt Lake and optioned right-hander Parker Bridwell, who started Tuesday's 6-3 win over the Braves. Robinson started in center field in Wednesday's series finale against Atlanta. To clear space for Robinson on the 40-man roster, the Halos designated right-hander Daniel Wright for assignment.
• Right-hander Cam Bedrosian (right groin strain) said he expects to pitch in rehab games with Class A Advanced Inland Empire on Friday and Sunday. He'll be evaluated after that, but it's possible the Angels could activate the 25-year-old reliever before the start of their three-game series against the Tigers on Tuesday.
• Third baseman Yunel Escobar (left hamstring strain) is slated to begin a rehab assignment with Inland Empire on Wednesday.