It appears Mike Trout might have to play with a rare back condition for the rest of his career.
The Los Angeles Angels All-Star outfielder, who’s dealing with a condition called costovertebral dysfunction at T5, has been on the injured list since July 18 with back spasms.
“This is a pretty rare condition that he has right now in his back,” Frostad said. “The doctor (Robert Watkins), who is one of the most well-known spine surgeons in the country, if not the world, doesn’t see a lot of these.”
Trout has rib-cage inflammation that is causing the back pain, and Frostad admits there’s some worry that the condition could sideline Trout long-term.
“I think we have to have some concern on that,” Frostad said. “… He’s a little more upbeat today. And I think he’s starting to feel like he’s getting the benefits.”
Frostad also acknowledged that the 30-year-old will likely have to manage the condition for however long he continues to play.
“But long-term, we do have to look at this as something that he has to manage, not just through the rest of this season, but also through the rest of his career probably.”
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The three-time MVP has started a core-stability program and cardio work, The Athletic’s Sam Blum reports.
On the season, Trout is hitting .270/.368/.599 with 24 home runs and 51 RBIs for the 41–56 Angels.
