Anthony Rendon got an RBI single on Monday night in his first game back after missing almost three months due to a strained left hamstring.
“It won’t take him long. He looks ready to swing the bat at least,” manager Ron Washington said after Rendon went 1 for 4 in a 9-4 loss to the Texas Rangers.
Rendon missed 68 games after he strained his left hamstring while running out an infield hit during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds on April 20.
While the Angels were on a six-game road trip last week, Rendon stayed in Southern California and faced live pitching on Friday and Saturday at Angel Stadium.
“It’s been a long wait. I’m ready to keep going and finish the second half strong,” Rendon said before the game.
Rendon said over the weekend he mainly focused on running the bases, something he hadn’t been able to do much until the past week.
After talking with Washington, Rendon will split time between third base and designated hitter until he feels comfortable playing in the field on consecutive days.
Before his injury, Rendon was hitting .267 with three RBIs in 19 games. He started the season 0 for 19 before going 20 for 56.
The 34-year-old Rendon is in the fifth season of a $245 million, seven-year contract with the Angels but has had several injuries over the past four seasons. He has played in only 168 games and missed 408 since the start of the 2021 season.
“He really wanted to perform this year. It’s unfortunate the hamstring set him back. He had this date circled on the calendar and he’s eager for it,” Washington said. “He wants to come out here and show he still has what it takes.”
