Major League Baseball announced that Los Angeles Angels utility man Luis Rengifo was selected as the American League Player of the Week following a superb showing during six games this past week.
The 26-year-old, now in his fifth year with the Angels, batted .440 with three home runs, seven RBI, three runs scored, adding one stolen base and an .800 slugging percentage. He led all AL hitters in hits, ranking second in total bases, while recording his fourth career multi-homer game.
🏆GEEFY🏆
Luis Rengifo has been named the American League Player of the Week! pic.twitter.com/CNa9kZv5Bz
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) September 5, 2023
Rengifo joined teammates Shohei Ohtani and Brandon Drury as the only Angels players to log multi-homer games this season. He adds to his fantastic second-half of the year, as he’s posted a .942 on-base plus slugging with 10 home runs, 27 RBI, 25 runs scored.
His ability to dominate left-handed pitching throughout the entire season has been a big piece to his success. Rengifo has punished southpaws, carrying a .928 OPS in 111 at-bats.
This was Rengifo’s first career selection and the second Angels player to win the weekly award this season. Ohtani has earned the selection three times this year on June 20th, July 3rd and July 30th.
Since August 23rd, the switch-hitter has hit safely in a career-high 12 straight games, going 21-for-47 (.447) with four homers, 12 RBI, two doubles, one triple, five walks, seven runs, and 1.268 OPS.
Luis Rengifo benefitted from playing in World Baseball Classic
As one of the lesser-known Angels, Rengifo has quietly been a solid contributor. Earning playing time wherever he can on the diamond in multiple roles, while having the opportunity to represent Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic.
Rengnifo came away from that experience with a positive bump, crediting Houston Astros infielder Jose Altuve with showing him a few leadership qualities.
He’d mentioned that prior to the WBC, Rengifo hand’t had the chance to speak with Altuve aside from a few short conversations. But the tournament allowed for the pair to speak and work closely with one another.
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