The Los Angeles Angels have struggled with injuries at critical points of the season for years and it appears that 2024 will be no different.
Three-time MVP and 11-time All-Star Mike Trout is the latest Angels player to face an injury setback with the outfielder likely to miss significant time. Trout suffered a torn meniscus on his left knee this week and will have to undergo surgery. There is no fixed timeline for his return.
Well-known television sports personality Stephen A. Smith was stunned after Trout’s most recent injury. Speaking with Chris “Mad Dog” Russo on ESPN, Smith didn’t hold back in his criticism of the veteran hitter and questioned why he couldn’t remain healthy.
“What the hell are you doing to take care of yourself? Always injured. I mean, damn, it’s baseball. What are we talking about here? It’s not football. It’s not boxing. It’s not the UFC,” said Smith. “How the hell is he always hurt? I don’t understand this.”
Stephen A. Smith isn't sure how baseball players like Mike Trout keep getting injured.
"What the hell are you doing to take care of yourself? Always injured. I mean, damn, it's baseball. What are we talking about here? It's not football. It's not boxing. It's not the UFC…" pic.twitter.com/MamhcLHQKH
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 1, 2024
Trout has been extremely unfortunate when it comes to injuries over the last few seasons. The 32-year old was out with a thumb injury in 2017. That was followed by a calf strain in 2021 that saw him play in just 36 games in 2021. A back issue in 2022 and a left wrist injury in 2023 saw the slugger play in just 119 and 82 games, respectively. Now, after just 29 appearances in the 2024 season, it appears that the Angels will have to manage without their superstar for a large portion of the season.
