The Los Angeles Angels placed infielder Luis Rengifo on the 10-day injured list with right wrist inflammation, retroactive to July 4. In two corresponding moves, they selected the contract of infielder Keston Hiura and transferred right-handed pitcher Andrew Wantz to the 60-day IL.
Rengifo got a MRI on Friday morning after suffering the wrist injury in the ninth inning on Wednesday night against the Oakland Athletics. He missed Thursday’s loss as well — a sweep at the hands of the Athletics — and is now expected to be out at least through the All-Star break.
It’s unfortunate timing for Rengifo and for the Angels. The utility infielder has been consistent and one of the team’s best players this season. He’s batting .315 on the year with an .800 OPS and has had an OPS above .767 for the last two months.
He’s been particularly strong in the last 10 days. He had six multi-hit games in the team’s last nine prior to his injury and had a .989 OPS in that span. The Angels went 6-3 including a sweep of the Athletics and taking three of four against the Detroit Tigers.
For the Angels, losing him at this point in the season not only hurts the team with wins and losses, but it also could affect trade deadline conversations. Rengifo is under team control through next season and is considered a player that has high interest league-wide in a deal.
An injury could affect how valuable he is to teams, especially if he is unable to get back on the field prior to the deadline at the end of July. The Angels have not said explicitly whether he is on the trade block or not, but he figures to be able to bring in among the best hauls of their current players.
Hiura, meanwhile, gets the roster spot in Rengifo’s place, likely until the All-Star break. Hiura has not played in the Majors since 2022 when he was with the Milwaukee Brewers. He has a career .771 OPS and a 104 OPS+, making him a potentially solid addition for the Halos.
Angels have Caden Dana representing them in Futures Game
The MLB All-Star Futures Game is a chance for some of the game’s best prospects to show their ability on a big stage. The American and National League’s best — at least one top prospect from each team — will play a seven-inning game as a part of All-Star Weekend festivities. And the Angels have selected their top prospect, Caden Dana, to participate.