2 min read • July 28, 2022
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Angels’ head athletic trainer Mike Frostad stoked concern for star Mike Trout’s future when he announced the three-time MVP was diagnosed with what he referred to as a rare condition, costovertebral dysfunction at T5.
Trout carried a much more optimistic attitude about his injury, saying the concern about his career was overblown and he’s made “huge steps” to return in recent days.
The Pro Baseball Docs agree with Trout’s optimism, noting that this condition is common for orthopedic doctors or chiropractors to see and has a reliable treatment plan.
Trout’s long-term health and career are by no means in jeopardy and, depending on the success of his cortisone injection, he could return to the lineup this season.
Trout hasn’t played since leaving a July 12 game in the second inning with back spasms. He was placed on the 10-day IL with ribcage inflammation ahead of the All-Star break and was eligible to be activated on Monday.
Trout received a cortisone injection last week that will likely take several weeks to set in. In the best case scenario, that should be the only measure needed to address the issue.
His condition doesn’t involve his spine and isn’t a nerve issue, bolstering Trout’s stated optimism Wednesday afternoon.
If the shot doesn’t heal his joint inflammation, he could get a second shot and an additional PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injection that would extend his absence a few more weeks.
If those plans still don’t have the intended healing, there is a surgery to remove the affected joint that isn’t career-threatening and won’t impact his play.
He will not serve more often as the designated hitter because the twisting motion of swinging is the main issue with his condition.
Projecting when Trout will return is difficult because it will depend not just on his response to the cortisone shot, but the team's approach to the situation. Trout was shut down last season with a lingering calf injury.
At 42-56, the Angels currently sit 21.5 games out of first place in the AL West and 11 games out of the Wild Card.
The 30-year-old’s back injury could help explain his dip in efficiency this season, at least by his standards. Trout is batting .270 with a still-remarkable .967 OPS, 24 home runs, 51 RBI, 3.8 WAR, and career-high 29.8% strikeout rate.
Since July 1, Trout has six hits, one home run, four RBI, and 18 strikeouts in 36 at-bats, posting a .481 OPS and striking out in 46.2% of his plate appearances.
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Just talked to Mike Trout. He said his phone is blowing up and it’s all an exaggeration. He said he will play again this year. Although he acknowledges he will have to stay on top of maintenance of his back, he’s not concerned about his career.
