June 17 update: It’s bad news for the Angels, who announced Rendon will undergo season-ending wrist surgery early next week. This is obviously a huge blow for LA, especially given how productive Rendon was in the early part of this season. With the star third baseman out, look for the Angels to roll with Tyler Wade and Matt Duffy at the position. Luis Renfigo could also get some looks depending on how LA arranges the overall infield.
Update regarding #Angels INF Anthony Rendon:
— Angels PR (@LAAngelsPR) June 17, 2022
“Anthony Rendon will undergo season-ending surgery to repair his right wrist early next week. Additional information will be provided as appropriate.”
In a slight surprise, the Los Angeles Angels have activated third baseman Anthony Rendon from the injured list. He had been sidelined since May 26 due to right wrist inflammation.
The Angels are activating Anthony Rendon. He’s playing third tonight.
— Sarah Wexler (@SarahWexler32) June 10, 2022
Rendon had been going through hitting and fielding drills, but the team had yet to set a timetable for his return. Apparently, suddenly, it’s tonight versus the Mets.
Rendon, a career .285 hitter, is batting .242 with a .738 OPS and five homers through 41 games. Those numbers are pretty similar to what Rendon accomplished in 58 games last year, a season that was wiped out by a right hip ailment that eventually required surgery. But he’ll still provide a big upgrade compared to who had been playing third for the Angels, who are also missing Mike Trout and Taylor Ward from their lineup.
With Rendon unavailable at the hot corner, the Angels had been piecing that position together with the uninspiring trio of Matt Duffy, Tyler Wade, and Jack Mayfield. Duffy has been the best hitter of the three, but he’s compiled a .691 OPS, only slightly above league average, through 89 at-bats.