Mike Trout says he's pain-free as spring training approaches.

The three-time American League MVP was sidelined between July 12 and Aug. 19 last year by an injury to his upper back and ribcage.

Trout, 31, is the captain of the U.S. team in the World Baseball Classic and will report to spring training by Feb. 16.

"The back's been a nonissue for the past four months," Trout said. "I felt a little bit when I came back during the season last year and then I've been on top of it pretty well and just keeping the same routine in the weight room, just a warm-up, and making sure all the back muscles around it is strong."