Mike Trout is back.
After a relatively disappointing year for the 11-time All-Star during an injury-riddled 2023 season, Trout hit two home runs in the Los Angeles Angels’ 7-4 win over the Miami Marlins. Thanks to Trout’s efforts, the Angels were able to come back after trailing the Marlins by four runs after the first inning.
Trout’s second home run traveled 473 feet, which is the longest home run of the young season. This was also tied for the fourth-longest home run of Trout’s career since 2015, when Statcast began tracking home run distances. Trout’s longest recorded home run is 490 feet.
“That’s probably one of the better balls I’ve hit,” Trout said, via Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register. “Just barreling it and actually seeing it go out, it felt pretty good. I’ve been telling you this for a couple weeks, just trying to get back to myself. Today, I got back to that.”
Angels manager Ron Washington was also impressed with Trout’s performance, as the Angels notched their second win of the season.
“What a night,” Washington said, via Fletcher. “That was very impressive. I don’t know where he lost anything. He’s healthy. Those two balls he hit, he put a charge in them. And the at-bat he ended up walking was excellent too. He had a tremendous night and we certainly needed that.”
During the game, Trout recorded two RBIs and a walk to go along with the two homers. Overall on the year, he’s hit .286 and has three home runs on the young season, tied for first in the AL. If this is just the start of what Trout will do all season long, the Angels will be thrilled to have their best player back to form