Anthony Rendon Reveals Thoughts on Being Angels' Leadoff Hitter

Ricardo Sandoval | Mar 30, 2024

Mar 22, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon (6) hits against / Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Angels star infielder Anthony Rendon hopes to eliminate that 'injury prone' narrative. While it won't happen right away, the team and fans hope he plays the majority of the season instead of missing the majority of the season.

So far, things may not be going well for the Angels, but they are for Rendon, who is hitting leadoff for the Halos to start the season. Rendon told the media, including OC Register's Jeff Flecther, that he loves where manager Ron Washington has put him in the lineup.

“I love it,” Rendon said. “I’m up for anything. I trust Wash. I trust this whole staff and anything that puts us in the best position to win. I’m all for it. I think we all are on the same page, all of our guys up and down the order.”

The 33-year-old has not hit leadoff in the big leagues since 2015 with the Washington Nationals. For most of his career, he's been a middle-of-the-order type player. However, Washington believes Rendon could benefit considering where the Angels lineup currently stands.

Rendon isn't sure whether this will be only temporary, but regardless, he's taking it one game at a time.

“We’re only a few games in, so we’ll ride it out,” Rendon said. “This game is all about adjustments … If it works out, it works out. If not, then we can change it up again.”

Through two games in the season, the one-time All-Star has yet to collect a hit, RBI, or any other meaningful stat in seven ABs. It's too early in the season to judge just yet, but if this becomes a trend, Washington may need to switch things up.

The Halos are 0-2 to start the season.