Trout mostly pain-free, targeting end of July return

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout is making positive strides in his recovery from a torn meniscus suffered in May.

Trout, who underwent surgery on May 3, said he's basically pain-free - aside from occasional soreness - and would like to be back by the end of July, per The Athletic's Sam Blum. He has yet to start running, however, and remains without a timetable to do so or return from the IL.

"I'm happy where I'm at right now. It makes me relieved not to feel (any consistent pain)," Trout said Saturday, according to The Associated Press' Joe Reedy.

Injuries have plagued Trout in recent campaigns; he played 237 of a possible 486 games from 2021-2023. The 32-year-old missed 80 games last year after undergoing midseason wrist surgery.

The three-time AL MVP posted a .867 OPS with 10 home runs in 29 contests this season before going under the knife.

The Trout-less Angels entered Saturday nine games back of the third AL wild-card spot with a disappointing 35-46 record.