Mike Trout could be back by next week

The Los Angeles Angels might be just about out of the playoff race, but they’ve got some superstar firepower coming back soon.

Mike Trout, who’s been on the mend after a meniscus tear at the end of April, is gearing up for a comeback. Word is, he’s starting a rehab assignment early next week.

According to Angels beat writer Rhett Bollinger, Trout is heading to Arizona today to face live pitching at the team’s Spring Training complex. If all goes well, he’ll kick off his rehab stint with Triple-A Salt Lake on Monday and could be back in the big leagues by Thursday when the Angels take on the A’s at home.

Now, let’s be real: with a 41-56 record, the Angels are sitting 12.5 Games out of the final AL wild-card spot. It looks like they’ll be sellers at the July 30 trade deadline, possibly moving ace Tyler Anderson and versatile infielder Luis Rengifo. But despite this, Trout’s expected to make his return sometime this season, even if the team is cautious with his rehab.

Before his injury, Trout was having another solid year. He smacked 10 home runs, tying him for the league lead with Gunnar Henderson, boasted a .541 slugging percentage, and had a respectable .867 OPS.

Getting Trout back on the field is a big win for baseball fans everywhere, even if it’s a bit late to turn the Angels’ season around.