Anthony Rendon set to return to Angels lineup – Orange County Register

Angels’ Anthony Rendon watches his sacrifice fly that allowed Logan O’Hoppe to score during the ninth inning of a game against the Boston Red Sox, Sunday, April 14, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

CHICAGO — Anthony Rendon could be back in the Angels’ lineup as early as Monday.

Rendon faced live pitchers Friday and Saturday at Angel Stadium, so he’ll now be activated as soon as he says he’s ready.

“Our intention was to have him ready when we get back,” manager Ron Washington said Sunday, the Angels’ final day of the road trip. “When we get back, we’ll evaluate that. And if he’s ready to play, he’ll be there tomorrow. If he’s not ready, he’ll be there the next day. If he’s not ready (the next day), he’ll be there the next day. We’ll figure that out when we get back to Anaheim.”

Rendon missed more than two months with a torn hamstring. Just before his injury, he was showing some productivity, batting .357 and having an .823 OPS in his last 63 plate appearances.

Washington said when Rendon returns, he will return to first base and third base.

“I’ll start him at third base and the next day I’ll probably put him at designated hitter,” Washington said.

As for the lineup, Washington said it would move Nolan Schanuel to second. Washington prefers Luis Rengifo at second, but he is currently out with a wrist injury. If Rendon and Rengifo were healthy at the same time, Schanuel would be moved to the bottom half of the lineup, Washington said earlier this week.

The Angels have scheduled right-hander Roansy Contreras to make his third start Tuesday. Contreras allowed one run in three innings in his first start and three runs in 2 2/3 innings in his second start, both against the Oakland A’s. The Angels could potentially insert Reid Detmers, Chase Silseth, Sam Bachman or Kenny Rosenberg into the rotation. For now, though, none are ready. “We don’t have anything else right now,” Washington said. …

The Angels’ 7-0 victory Saturday was the second game this season in which all nine starters had at least one hit. The first came April 12 at Boston. …

Left-hander José Quijada has made four appearances so far in the Arizona Complex League, allowing two earned runs in 3-2/3 innings. He has nine strikeouts. Quijada, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, is expected to be activated around July 26, when his 30-day rehab assignment expires.

FOLLOWING

Rangers (RHP Jon Gray, 3-4, 3.92) vs. Angels (RHP Davis Daniel, 1-1, 2.70) at Angel Stadium, 6:38 p.m. PT Monday, Bally Sports West, 8:30 a.m.