ANAHEIM, Calif. — Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout is inching closer to making his long-awaited return to the lineup after recovering from a right hamstring injury, with the three-time American League MVP expressing confidence that he could be back in action as early as next week. If everything continues to progress as expected, Trout would have enough time to regain his rhythm before the 2026 MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia, an event that would carry tremendous personal significance for the veteran outfielder.
The 34-year-old has been sidelined since June 17, when he suffered a strained right hamstring while running the bases during a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The injury interrupted what had been one of Trout’s healthiest and most productive seasons in recent years, forcing the Angels to continue without their franchise cornerstone during a critical stretch of the campaign.
Despite the setback, Trout’s rehabilitation has advanced steadily, and there is growing optimism within the organization that his absence will soon come to an end. Before the Angels opened a weekend series against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night, Trout completed his normal pregame workout and continued participating in baseball-related activities as part of his recovery program.
The veteran outfielder revealed that he expects to begin taking batting practice on the field over the weekend, another significant milestone that suggests he is nearing game action.
“I feel good,” Trout indicated while discussing his recovery, expressing optimism that he could return to the Angels’ lineup sometime early next week if everything continues to progress without complications.
Angels Encouraged by Trout’s Recovery
Interim manager Kurt Suzuki echoed Trout’s optimism, praising the veteran’s progress and indicating that the organization believes his return is drawing closer with each passing day.
Suzuki noted that Trout has remained committed to his rehabilitation while traveling with the club, continuing to work diligently behind the scenes even while unable to play.
“He looks good,” Suzuki said. “When I came in today, he was already working out. He stayed active throughout the road trip and has continued putting in the work. He’s getting really close—really, really close.”
Those encouraging comments reflect the growing confidence inside the Angels’ clubhouse that one of baseball’s biggest stars could soon be back on the field.
A Potentially Special All-Star Homecoming
Although Major League Baseball has not yet officially announced the complete American League All-Star roster, Trout is widely expected to earn another starting outfield spot through fan voting.
If selected, the appearance would mark the 12th All-Star selection of his remarkable career, further strengthening his Hall of Fame résumé while giving him an opportunity to participate in one of the sport’s biggest celebrations.
This year’s All-Star Game carries extra emotional significance because it will be played at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, just about 40 miles from Trout’s hometown of Millville, New Jersey.
Growing up in South Jersey, Trout spent much of his childhood following Philadelphia sports, making the opportunity to play an All-Star Game in front of family, friends, and hometown supporters especially meaningful.
For one of the game’s most accomplished players, the chance to return home as an All-Star would represent a full-circle moment in an already legendary career.
Injuries Have Kept Trout Away From the Midsummer Classic
While Trout has consistently remained one of baseball’s premier talents throughout his career, injuries have repeatedly prevented him from fully enjoying the All-Star experience over the past several seasons.
Remarkably, the former American League MVP has not actually appeared in an All-Star Game since 2019, despite continuing to receive All-Star recognition.
He was selected to the American League roster in 2021, 2022, and 2023, but injuries prevented him from participating in each of those seasons. The unfortunate trend continued in 2024, when a knee injury early in the season derailed another campaign before he ultimately was not selected for last year’s game.
As a result, the possibility of finally returning to the All-Star stage after a seven-year absence makes this year’s event even more meaningful.
Healthy Season Has Revived Trout’s Impact
Before suffering the hamstring injury, Trout had been enjoying one of his strongest seasons in recent memory.
After battling numerous injuries over the previous several years, the veteran has managed to stay on the field for the majority of the 2026 campaign while once again producing at an elite level for the Angels.
Through 74 games, Trout has emerged as the club’s offensive leader, posting a team-best .866 OPS while collecting 17 home runs and 36 RBIs. His combination of power, patience at the plate, and veteran leadership has provided stability for a young Angels roster navigating another challenging season.
Although Los Angeles has struggled in the standings, Trout’s return to form has been one of the organization’s brightest storylines, reminding baseball fans that he remains one of the sport’s most dangerous hitters when healthy.
Home Run Derby Unlikely Despite All-Star Expectations
Even if Trout returns in time to participate in the All-Star festivities, he has already indicated that he is unlikely to compete in the annual Home Run Derby.
The eight-time Silver Slugger explained last week that his primary focus is preserving his health for the remainder of the regular season rather than adding extra swings during the break.
Given his recent injury history, Trout appears determined to avoid unnecessary physical strain while helping the Angels finish the season on a strong note.
Angels Hopeful for a Timely Return
For the Angels, Trout’s impending return would provide an enormous boost both offensively and emotionally.
His presence in the lineup immediately strengthens the middle of the batting order while also providing leadership and experience to a club that has relied heavily on younger players throughout the season.
If his rehabilitation continues without setbacks, Trout could return just in time to regain his timing at the plate before taking center stage at the All-Star Game in Philadelphia—a fitting homecoming for one of baseball’s greatest players, who will be looking to celebrate another career milestone in front of fans from the region where his remarkable journey first began.
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