Mike Trout says back is pain-free ahead of spring training

By RONALD BLUM The Associated Press

FILE - Los Angeles Angels' Mike Trout rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros Sunday, Sept. 4, 2022, in Anaheim, Calif. Mike Trout feels pain free as the start of spring training approaches. The three-time AL MVP was sidelined between July 12 and Aug. 19 last year by an injury to his upper back and ribcage.(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Jae C. Hong]

NEW YORK (AP) — Mike Trout says he is pain-free with spring training approaching. The three-time AL MVP was sidelined a little more than a month last season because of an injury to his upper back and ribcage. He hit .308 with 16 homers and 29 RBIs in 40 games for the Los Angeles Angels after his return in August, for an overall season average of .283 with 40 homers and 80 RBIs in 119 games. The 31-year-old 10-time All-Star is the captain for the U.S. team in the World Baseball Classic and will report to spring training with the Angels by Feb. 16.