This is simply the truth now that the comparison between Mike Trout and Ken Griffey Jr. has turned from a contentious, yet fun debate into an increasingly depressing reality. Like Griffey so often was after the end of the 1990s, Trout is now in a post-prime era where trips to the injured list feel more common than highlights.

Trout, 32, is hitting .220/.325/.541 with an MLB-leading 10 home runs in 29 games this season. He played all nine innings of Monday's game in center field, so Tuesday's announcement came as a surprise. A variety of injuries limited Trout to 237 of 486 possible games from 2021-23, or 49%. Now he'll miss a big chunk of 2024 as well.

With the Los Angeles Angels opening a six-game road trip on Friday in Cleveland against the Guardians, the franchise will use the change of scenery to fully embrace the latest chapter of the Mike Trout injury saga.