The Los Angeles Angels have a few positional battles to work out in Spring Training, mainly in the bullpen, but their infield looks close to set with Nolan Schanuel at first base, Zach Neto at shortstop and Anthony Rendon at third base. Rendon is entering a massive 2024 season after injuries have effectively removed him from three consecutive seasons and offseason comments about his commitment to baseball had him under fire.
Rendon has played in 58, 47 and 43 games respectively over the last three seasons, meaning he’s played only 30.5% of possible games in three of his four Angels campaigns. Even when in the lineup, he has not been anywhere close to the player the Angels signed in 2020. He had an OPS+ above 137 in four straight seasons from 2017-20, but has been at 100 or below in his last three seasons.
So with all of this pressure, it was another blow when Rendon felt groin discomfort during last Sunday’s Spring Training game. But a recent update has Rendon returning as soon as this weekend, via MLB.com:
Rendon felt tightness in his groin after playing on Sunday but has been making progress this week. He took live batting practice and participated in infield drills on Friday and could be back in the lineup as soon as Sunday. It’s not considered a serious injury.
Of course, this wouldn’t be the first time that Rendon has had a minor injury become serious with seemingly no aggravation, but if Rendon does actually return to Spring Training action it would certainly signal a difference from previous years and injuries.
The Angels need Rendon to play a large majority of the season and be the player the signed if they want o have a chance at the postseason. As the second-highest paid player on the team, he needs to be among the team’s best players to make sense of the roster construction.
Perry Minasian responds to Anthony Rendon’s comments
Minasian aired on Rendon’s side when discussing these comments. He is giving Rendon the benefit of the doubt based on what he sees from the former All-Star third baseman every day in Spring Training and during the season.
“For me, it’s actions, right?” Minasian said. “It’s less about words and more about actions. Anthony is a good teammate. We’ve seen him play with some intensity and even when he’s been on the IL, he’s been there for his teammates. He knows the game. He enjoys playing the games. I believe he’s in a really good place right now and [I’m] expecting a big year from him.”
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