The Los Angeles Angels are poised to return one of their highest-paid players from the injured list on Monday. Manager Ron Washington told reporters, including Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com, yesterday that Anthony Rendon “could” be activated from the 60-day injured list. Rendon faced live pitching Friday and Saturday at Angel Stadium.
“Our intention was for him to be ready when we get back,” Washington said on Sunday, the final day of the club’s road trip. “When we get back, we’ll assess that. And if he’s ready to go, he’ll be in there tomorrow. If he’s not ready to go, he’ll be in the next day. If he’s not ready to go (the day after that), he’ll be in there the next day. We’ll figure that out once we get back to Anaheim.”
The Angels plan to give the veteran third baseman alternating starts at third base and DH until he’s healthy enough to continue playing at the hot corner on a full-time basis. The Angels will have to clean space for Rendon on the active 40-man rosters before activating him from the IL.
Anthony Rendon (hamstring) faced live pitching on Friday and Saturday and he could be activated from the IL tomorrow, Ron Washington said. Plan is to start him at third and then DH him the next day. And continue that pattern until he’s ready for everyday action at third.
— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) July 7, 2024
Anthony Rendon to be Activated from Injured List
It’s the fourth consecutive season that Rendon has suffered a significant injury. The 34-year-old had four separate injured list stints in 2021, including one where he suffered a hip impingement that required surgery. The following season a torn tendon in his wrist followed with another procedure. Last season, it was a left leg injury that cut him short on July 4. Rendon didn’t undergo surgery at that time, though there was some controversy.
The Angels termed Rendon’s injury as a bone bruise whereas the veteran infielder said he fractured his tibia. His current injury came in late April as he tried to beat an infield hit. Rendon has played 219 games over parts of five years with the Angels since signing a seven-year deal with the club.
Following a healthy inaugural campaign with the Angels, Rendon hit an impressive .286/.418/.497 during the shortened 2020 season. He did have a solid start this season for 19 of the Angels’ first 21 games. Rendon hit .267/.325/.307 with three doubles and three RBI. His start to the season was slow as he went into an 0-for-19 slump. However, Rendon was hitting .395 over his last 11 games before being placed on the IL.
Once he returns, Rendon will go back to the leadoff spot. Washington said he would Nolan Schanuel to the No.2 spot, but Washington prefers Luis Rengifo in that spot, but he’s out with a wrist injury.
Main Photo: © Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
