Angels star outfielder Mike Trout has been out dealing with a hand injury for the better part of the last few months. He returned to game action for one game but was quickly sent back to the injured list due to discomfort.

It has been a real struggle for Trout over the last few months, but the former MVP is still trying to make a push to return this season. Even with where the Angels are in the standings, Trout wants to get some reps in before the year ends, so he can head into the offseason feeling more confident.

Manager Phil Nevin provided some updates on the status of Trout, and how the team plans to go out things moving forward.

“He wants to play again this year, I mean, he’s voiced that many times. As soon as he feels like it’s tolerable to play in a game again, he’s gonna get out there. But I think he’s gonna be more cautious this time as to what he was last time, being that aggressive with it.”

Per The LA Times

It really doesn’t make a ton of sense for Trout to return this season, given where the Halos are. They have nothing to play for, except their pride, so it’s a smarter move to hold him out.

The last thing that anyone wants to do is reinjury something or make it worse. It’s understandable that Trout wants to be out there with his guys, but both he and the organization should be protecting him from himself.

General Manager Perry Minasian also gave some thoughts on Trout and expressed a desire to not rush things.

“He hasn’t swung a bat in a while so it’s going to take some time … With where we’re at in the standings, there’s no reason to push it to a certain extent.”

Per The LA Times

He needs to make sure that he is completely healthy for next season, and this year is already lost. It will be an interesting offseason for the Halos already, and the last thing they need to do is worry about the health of Trout.