Anthony Rendon has dealt with an unfortunate run of health issues since joining the Los Angeles Angels, but following wrist surgery in June, a window of opportunity to return this season is a step closer.
After posting a .228/.324/.383 slash and a 106 wRC+ across 45 games early this season, it was revealed he playing through a subluxation in his right wrist, which accounted for much of his poor play. The standard rehab period for this surgery is about four to six months, but he’s progressed much faster than expected.
Prior to Monday’s matchup with the Cleveland Guardians, Rendon took on-field batting practice for the first time since the surgery. The Angels haven’t rushed him back, nor has Rendon pushed to get himself game-ready before he’s ready, via Jeff Fletcher of the O.C. Register:
“That’s always been the thing, to come back,” Rendon said on Monday. “That’s what I was pushing for the whole time. I’m going to push myself, push myself. I’m going to have them push me, push me. And if it works, we’re going to listen to my body. If it doesn’t feel good, we’ll pull it back. We’re just going to push as much as my body will take.”
Rendon being activated would be a plus for himself and the Angels because they ultimately need to see what they have with him. Now in the third year of his mega-contract, he’s one of the team’s mainstays along with Mike Trout, also on a long-term deal.
Why Anthony Rendon returning this season is important
Rendon’s rapid, but apparently ‘according to plan’ recovery, has positioned him with enough time to return to the Angels’ starting lineup if the head athletic trainer Mike Frostad deems it a wise decision.
Considering Rendon would be able to serve his looming five-game suspension he accrued when the Angels and Seattle Mariners got into their scrum that resulted in multiple players earning disciplinary action, him returning would double as clearing that time, and him getting a feel for game speed.
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