Injuries have been a problem for the Angels — especially in the outfield.
Star center fielder Mike Trout has dealt with his fair share of medical issues over the years, with health being the only thing capable of slowing him down. For the most part though, 2023 has been kind to one of baseball's best.
He played in 81 of the team's 87 games — a mainstay at the top of the Halos' lineup. But the injury bug eventually found Trout again, resulting in what will likely be a lengthy absence at a time when the Angels can ill afford to lose the superstar.
Mike Trout exits the game after an apparent injury during his 8th inning at bat. pic.twitter.com/s0xSfpVQ3j
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 4, 2023
MORE: Mike Trout injury update: Angels superstar fractures bone in wrist, placed on IL
The team announced Trout suffered a hamate bone fracture in his left wrist and placed him on the 10-day injured list, though he is expected to be out longer than that.
The Angels have been able to remain on the fringes of the AL postseason picture thanks to their two stars — Trout and Shohei Ohtani — remaining healthy. Time will tell whether they can survive what could be an extended stretch without Trout.
The Sporting News explains hamate bone fractures, possible recovery time and looks at other MLB players that have recently suffered the same fate.
What is a hamate bone fracture?
According to Physiopedia, part of the wrist joint is formed by eight carpal bones — one of which is the hamate. It is found just below the fourth and fifth metacarpal, better known as the ring and pinky fingers.
Hamate bone fractures can be broken down into two categories, according to the National Library of Medicine — body or hook fractures.
"Hamate fractures are rare and underreported," the site reads. "These injuries are usually misdiagnosed or confused with simple wrist sprains."
Between the two categories, hook fractures are said to be the more common variety. The NLM says, "The hook of hamate fracture frequently occurs in sports where a firm grip is required, such as tennis, baseball, and golf," — adding that body fractures are more likely the result of something like a punch.
Fractures occur because of frequent exertion and impact, like swinging a bat — which is what makes this a more common injury in baseball. The hamate is one of the smallest bones in the wrist, but it can cause big problems in terms of recovery timelines.
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Hamate bone fracture recovery time
Recovery from a simple hamate bone fracture takes about six-to-eight weeks, according to Medical News Today. From there, a restrengthening process in the form of physical therapy can add another few weeks to the timeline.
If the fracture is not a simple one that can heal on its own, then surgery comes into play. Medical News Today says it might take three months before a player can return to their sport following surgery, and six months to regain their pre-injury form.
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MLB players and hamate bone fractures
Giancarlo Stanton, who was playing for the Marlins in 2015, suffered a broken hamate which ended up sidelining him for the remainder of the season. His original diagnosis was four-to-six weeks in June 2015. However, he was slow to regain strength and Stanton wouldn't appear in another game that season.
The Guardians' Jose Ramirez also dealt with the same injury in 2019, but missed only a month. He left on Aug. 24 and returned on Sept. 24.
In 2022, the Yankees' Andrew Benintendi also suffered the same fate. The injury occurred in September, which would end his season.