The Los Angeles Angels have hoped to find stability within their organization, especially on the diamond. Still, in the case of Luis Rengifo, his play has shown flashes of the player they hoped he’d develop into.
Now in his fourth season with the Angels at the big league level, Rengifo’s contributions have been rather subtle and this season has been his best by far in MLB. Following the All-Star break, his 120 wRC+, and .338 wOBA make him the third-best hitter in the L.A. lineup.
General manager Perry Minasian discussed Rengifo’s contributions on the season prior to their Aug. 20 matchup with the Detroit Tigers, via Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com:
He’s played great. We’ve always liked the player. We had opportunities to move him the last couple of years, but we didn’t. A big reason why is we believe in the player and the talent. He’s opened some eyes. But nobody is surprised. If you asked anybody in that locker room how hard he works and what he puts into it. … We’ll see how it lasts. There’s a lot of time left, so let’s see how he finishes up and what presents itself in the offseason. But he’s obviously playing really well.
Entering his first year of arbitration in 2023, the Angels have Rengifo on an ultra team-friendly contract for a few more seasons. His ability as a utility player is valuable for the club as they continue to plug pieces around the diamond to find out what, or who sticks.
His career numbers won’t jump off the page, but with a career 79 wRC+ and .656 on-base plus slugging in four seasons, the Angels hope he can capture this bit of success and carry it over into next year.
Luis Rengifo has been a ‘shot in the arm’ for Angels
When the Angels swept the Oakland Athletics in early August, Rengifo’s bat was the spark the club needed to make it happen.
His ability to shift between both middle infield spots has been great for Angels manager Phil Nevin, as he tinkers with the lineup based on availability and matchups, via Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com:
“He’s been a shot in the arm for us,” said interim manager Phil Nevin. “His energy and his work ethic, guys feed off that. You’re seeing him in the cage and putting in the work. You love having him out there. He wasn’t here to start the season but it’s just a credit to him and what he’s done. He’s put in the work.”
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