Mike Trout to Rehab Thumb Injury at Class A Inland Empire After Surgery

The Los Angeles Angels announced Sunday that star outfielder Mike Trout will work out with the Inland Empire 66ers, the franchise's High-A affiliate, on Tuesday.

From there, Trout will rehab with the 66ers when he proves healthy enough to return to the field. The reigning American League MVP has been out of action with a torn ligament in his left thumb.

Trout injured the thumb while sliding into second base during Los Angeles' 9-2 defeat to the Miami Marlins on May 28.

At the time of Trout's injury, the Angels were 26-27, and many wondered if a potential absence of up to two months would torpedo the team's playoff hopes.

Instead, the Angels are 43-43 after Sunday's loss to the Seattle Mariners. While they're 14.5 games back of the American League West-leading Houston Astros, they're only a game back of the second wild-card spot.

Getting Trout back in the lineup would be a major boost for Los Angeles as it looks to reach the postseason for the first time since 2014. Prior to his injury, Trout was building another strong MVP candidacy. In 47 games this year, he's batting .337 with 16 home runs and 36 RBI. His 1.203 OPS is also second in the majors among hitters with at least 150 plate appearances, per FanGraphs.