Angels Fans' Standing Ovation Seems to Have Worked for Anthony Rendon

Los Angeles Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon needed to play a home game for him to get going. After a hitless start over his first 21 at-bats, Rendon put together afour-game hitting streak.

His first hit was a soft chopper to third base that he legged out for an infield hit, sending the crowd at Angel Stadium into a frenzy. They remained on their feet and gave Rendon a standing ovation that seems to have changed the course of his season.

Since that moment, Rendon is 6-for-21, with three walks, two doubles, and three runs scored. His batting average on April 2 was nonexistent and his on-base percentage was a microscopic .050. The streak raised his average to .231 with an on-base percentage of .286.

Rendon delivered his first multi-hit game of the season Monday against Tampa Bay. He was 3-for-5 with three runs scored and set the tone for the night during his first at-bat. He led off the game with a hit and then scored on Trout’s triple to right. He singled in the fifth and sparked a two-run rally that pushed the Angels lead to 5-0. His third hit was a double in the eighth which led to another run.

Rendon's hitting steak, while small, is promising for the Angels. They have needed the veteran to produce several times this season. Rendon's lack of production early led one former general manager, Jim Bowden, to write in The Athletic that the Angels should release Rendon.

For those keeping count, Rendon went 277 days between hits. He didn't play after July 4 last season due to a broken tibia. He has yet to play 60 games in a single season for the Angels since signing his seven-year deal worth $245 million before the 2020 season.

Perhaps the Angels shouldn't release Rendon and at least wait it out a couple months.