Anthony Rendon’s Hip Surgery: A Major Setback for the Los Angeles Angels
In a development that has left Los Angeles Angels fans and the baseball community buzzing, the oft-injured third baseman Anthony Rendon is set to undergo hip surgery. This news, confirmed by the Angels’ general manager Perry Minasian on Wednesday, means Rendon is expected to miss a significant amount of time. It’s a tough pill to swallow for the Angels, who have been hoping for a return to form from their star player.
Rendon’s journey with the Angels has been anything but smooth since he signed a seven-year, $245 million contract and made his debut during the pandemic-abbreviated 2020 season. At 34, Rendon has not played more than 58 games in any season with the Angels. This is a stark contrast to his stellar 2019 season with the Washington Nationals, where he boasted a 1.010 OPS, hit 34 home runs, and led the major leagues with 126 RBIs. However, his OPS over five years with the Angels has dwindled to just .717.
Since the start of the 2021 season, Rendon has played in only 205 games and missed 438, with 12 stints on the injured list. The 2024 season was particularly challenging for him, as he faced three separate stints on the injured list due to hamstring, lower back, and oblique issues. He finished the season with a .218 batting average, zero home runs, and 14 RBIs in 206 at-bats.
Rendon’s overall performance with the Angels has been underwhelming, hitting .242 with 22 home runs and 125 RBIs. This is a far cry from his seven seasons with the Nationals, where he batted .290 with 136 homers and 546 RBIs. The contrast in his performance is a topic of much discussion among fans and analysts alike.
Opportunity for Yoan Moncada
With Rendon sidelined, the Angels have turned to their recent free agent acquisition, Yoan Moncada, to fill the void at third base. Moncada, a 29-year-old switch-hitter, signed a $5 million deal with the Angels on Thursday. He had a breakout year in 2019 with the Chicago White Sox, but his recent performance has been less impressive, slashing .236/.291/.387 while playing in only 208 games over the past three seasons.
Last year was particularly tough for Moncada, as he played in only 12 games for a White Sox team that lost a record 121 games. An adductor strain kept him out for five months, and he returned on September 18, only to take one at-bat before missing the rest of the season. Despite these challenges, the Angels are hopeful that Moncada can regain his form and provide stability at third base.
Key Points to Consider
- Anthony Rendon is undergoing hip surgery and will miss significant time.
- Rendon has struggled with injuries since joining the Angels, playing only 205 games and missing 438.
- Yoan Moncada is set to take over as the Angels’ starting third baseman.
- Moncada has faced his own challenges with injuries and performance in recent years.
The situation with Rendon and Moncada is a microcosm of the challenges faced by the Angels in recent years. The team has struggled to find consistency and success, and the hope is that Moncada can step up and fill the void left by Rendon. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the Angels to see how they navigate these challenges and whether they can turn things around.
Originally Written by: ESPNAlden GonzalezJeff PassanJesse RogersESPNESPNESPN FantasyESPNAlden Gonzalez
