Anthony

Rendon

With only a few weeks left in the season, Rendon is hitting the injured list after he told reporters he expected to play Tuesday. If this is it for Rendon, he hit .218 with no home runs and 14 RBI in 57 games on the year. Which is more depressing, the lack of any home runs or that 57 games is the most he’s played since 2021? Either way, Rendon hasn’t played more than 58 games since 2019, his last season with the Nationals. With two more years remaining on his contract with the Angels, Rendon is putting together a nice resume for one of the biggest free agent bust signings in MLB history.

Rendon’s day off Sunday was just supposed to be a day off, but it was likely related to this. Michael Stefanic got a second straight start with Rendon out tonight.

Rendon came through with a go-ahead two-run single off of Bryce Miller in the fifth inning that gave the Angels a 3-2 lead they would never relinquish. That was also his only hit in four at-bats on the day. The 34-year-old infielder is now slashing an underwhelming .228/.315/.280 with zero homers, 11 RBI and six stolen bases on the season.

He’s batting fifth tonight. Rendon is hitting .280/.419/.320 in eight games since coming off the injured list.

Rendon will take a seat after also missing Saturday’s game with his right elbow bruise. The 34-year-old will stay on the bench with Brandon Drury getting the start at third base.

Angels manager Ron Washington told reporters Rendon is day-to-day following an early exit from Friday’s showdown against the Braves when he was hit by a pitch. He’ll probably sit out a game or two this weekend, but appears to have avoided serious injury.

It’s unclear how exactly Rendon sustained the injury. He was hit by a pitch earlier in the contest, but that one got him on the left shoulder. It doesn’t sound like it’s anything that should require an extended absence, but with Rendon you can just never be too sure.

Rendon will return for Wednesday’s doubleheader against the Yankees following a brief stint on the injured list due to lower back inflammation. The oft-injured 34-year-old third baseman has been limited to just 33 games this season due to various physical issues.

Seriously, we can’t make this stuff up. It’s the perfect time for the Angels to drop this move in with the entire baseball landscape embroiled in the closing moments of the trade deadline. Rendon has been limited to just 33 games this season due to various physical issues. It’s not hyperbolic to suggest that his seven-year, $245 million contract could wind up as one of the worst free agent deals in recent memory.

The veteran has started five straight games but will get a rest on Wednesday. He’s hitting just .178 in 11 games in July and remains off of fantasy radars. Luis Rengifo will play third base in his place and Willie Calhoun will start at DH.