Testing has revealed a partial tear in Anthony Rendon’s left hamstring, the Angels third baseman told reporters (X link via Sam Blum of the Athletic). Although there’s no specific timetable for his return, Rendon indicated he anticipates an extended absence. The Angels put him on the 10-day injured list last week.
It’s the fourth consecutive season in which he has suffered a significant injury. Rendon had four separate injured list stints in 2021, the most notable of which came after he suffered a hip impingement requiring season-ending surgery. A torn tendon in his wrist necessitated another procedure the following June. Last season, it was a left leg injury that cut his year short on July 4. Rendon didn’t undergo surgery that time, though the absence wasn’t without controversy. While the Angels termed the injury a bone bruise, the veteran infielder said he’d fractured his tibia.
Rendon’s current injury came last week as he tried to beat out an infield hit. It’s the latest source of frustration amidst a seven-year free agent deal that hasn’t gone as he or the Angels envisioned. He has played in 219 games over parts of five years with the Halos. That’s 38.4% of the team’s schedule. That number will drop further as he embarks on this rehab process.
New manager Ron Washington penciled Rendon in at the hot corner for 19 of their first 21 games. The two-time All-Star has hit .267 with a reasonable .325 on-base percentage but didn’t hit for any power. He only has three extra-base hits (all doubles) and is slugging .307. That profile — decent on-base marks with minimal power — has been Rendon’s general production when he has been able to play going back to 2021.
Miguel Sanó has taken over third base in recent days. That’s not ideal from a defensive standpoint but does allow Washington to rotate a few players through the designated hitter spot. Sanó has gotten off to a nice start to his first year with the Halos, running a .271/.362/.373 slash in 69 plate appearances. That is driven by a .441 average on balls in play which Sanó clearly won’t maintain, but he’s hitting the ball exceptionally hard and figures to run into a few more home runs as the season progresses.
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