Los Angeles Angels All-Star center fielder Mike Trout was seen by Robert Watkins III, MD, for a rare spine condition, MLB.com reported July 31.
Mr. Trout was diagnosed with a costovertebral dysfunction in his back, a rare injury for baseball players, but other athletes have recovered from the surgery, according to the report.
After his July 28 visit with Dr. Watkins, the nine-time All-Star said he's ready to begin rotational exercises, a step that could pave the way for his return later this season.
"The doctor (Robert Watkins III), who is one of the most well-known spine surgeons in the country — if not the world — doesn't see a lot of these," athletic trainer Mike Forstad told ESPN in a July 27 report.