Mike Trout DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout (knee) appears to be on the verge of returning to the lineup. Trout is scheduled to run the bases this week, which is the final hurdle for him before he can get back into game action. This is great news for fantasy managers who have been without Trout since May 2 due to a bone bruise in his left knee. It doesn't sound like Trout is going to require a rehab assignment, so fantasy managers might be able to get him back in their lineups later this week.

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout (knee) said he was not sore after jogging on the field in Sacramento before Monday's series opener against the Athletics. Trout ran at 50 to 60% intensity and said his final hurdle will be running the bases. The Orange County Register's Jeff Fletcher reports that Trout said he will not need a minor-league rehab assignment before returning from the 10-day injured list. The three-time MVP and 11-time All-Star outfielder said he's still feeling good and has also been hitting every day. All signs are good for the 33-year-old veteran so far, but it remains unclear when he might run the bases or return to the active MLB roster. Don't be surprised if the Angels use Trout as the designated hitter more often than not when he initially returns. The former first-rounder has been extremely injury-prone in recent years and was hitting under .200 before his injury, but he still has plenty of power with nine homers in 106 at-bats.

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout (knee) has progressed to jogging on the field and did so before Monday's series opener in Sacramento against the division-rival Athletics, according to MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger. Trout has also hit off a batting machine and has been running on an anti-gravity treadmill as he recovers from a setback to his surgically repaired knee. The 33-year-old three-time MVP and 11-time All-Star is still without a timetable to return from the 10-day injured list, but he's making good progress and presumably could rejoin the major-league lineup by the end of May, barring a setback. Trout has been unable to stay healthy the last couple years and is no longer the stud outfielder he once was -- he was hitting .179 in his first 106 at-bats before getting hurt -- but he still belongs on fantasy rosters in all leagues as he sells out for power at the plate.