Another year, another injury for Los Angeles Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon.
Rendon underwent hip surgery and is expected to miss the majority of the season at minimum. Sam Blum of The Athletic had gone as far as to speculate that Rendon may have played his last game with the Angels.
The end may be coming sooner rather than later. Blum reported that the Angels removed Rendon’s locker from their spring training clubhouse, giving the vacant spot to outfielder Jorge Soler.
Removing Rendon’s locker is a significant statement. Injured players typically spend some time around the team, enjoying the camaraderie while still serving a mentorship role.
Rendon, however, has been clear that baseball is just a job and not a priority for him. He has appeared in just 205 out of a possible 648 games over the past four seasons. Rendon has not produced when he has been on the diamond, posting a disappointing .231/.329/.336 batting line in his 863 plate appearances, hitting 13 homers and 39 doubles. Rendon has as many home runs as stints on the injured list during that time.
Rendon may be ready to walk away regardless of the Angels’ plans. Alden Gonzalez of ESPN had speculated on the “Baseball Tonight with Buster Olney” podcast that Rendon may simply retire. Hip surgery is a significant procedure, and as Gonzalez pointed out, Rendon’s contract expires after the 2026 season. Retirement may be the best-case scenario for both sides.
The Los Angeles Angels had been clear that nothing was being handed to Rendon this season. While removing his locker may be symbolic, it sends a message that Rendon is no longer considered part of the team.
