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SALT LAKE CITY — Mike Trout, the MLB’s reigning American League MVP, underwent surgery last week to repair a torn UCL in his left thumb. The Los Angeles Angels star is expected to be out six to eight weeks, and before Trout gets back with the Angels, it is possible he could play with the Salt Lake Bees for a few games on a rehab assignment.
As one of the best baseball players in the world, if Trout comes to Salt Lake, it would provide avid baseball fans a chance to see Major League talent in their backyard.
“You definitely see a lot of baseball fans in Salt Lake that really appreciate getting to see these guys that they see on national TV all the time, that are winning MVP and Cy Young awards," Bees communication manager Kraig Williams said. "You definitely see a boost in attendance and a boost in fan excitement".
Trout injured his thumb May 28 when he was sliding head first into second base. He had surgery June 1, had his cast removed June 4 and started rehab the next day. With his estimated recovery time, it would be a mid-July appearance if he were to come to Salt Lake.
The Salt Lake Bees have seen a few stars come over the years for rehab stints, including Houston Street and Josh Hamilton. Most comparable to Trout is when Andrelton Simmons played for the Bees for four games last season after suffering a thumb injury similar to Trout’s.
“Simmons last year was a little bit ahead of schedule, so I think he was with us at about five weeks, but everyone is different so we definitely don’t want to say ‘he is coming this day,’ and then not be able to have him come,” Williams said. “But as soon as we hear the official word ... we will let people know because I am sure the baseball fans in Utah want to see him play.”
Williams said the decision on when and where to begin a rehab assignment is up to Trout and the Angels' front office. The Bees may not know Trout is coming until the day before. The rehab assignment depends on what the injury is and how the player feels and is progressing.
“Especially for hitters (like Trout), it’s just getting timing back,” Williams said. “You can only do so much practice without seeing live bullets, so to speak. And so, especially at the triple-A level, you are getting a lot of very good pitchers who either have been in the majors recently or are almost to the majors. So you are not quite getting major league talent, but you are getting the closest thing to it.”
Regardless of if Trout comes to Salt Lake, the goal will be to get him back to full strength so he can contribute to the Angels.
“The primary goal is not to necessarily help the Bees win or get that hit," Williams said. "They just want him to play well and get the injury behind them. Whatever is best for Mike is what we are all about. We are about trying to help the Angels. Whatever works for Mike is good for us. We would love to have him.”
Lindsey Peterson is a Brigham Young University student studying broadcast journalism. Contact her at lindspeterson4@gmail.com or on Twitter @LindsPetey.
