Angels GM on Luis Rengifo's Positional Assignment: 'You Could Go Either Way'
With Luis Rengifo expected to be fully healthy for the Los Angeles Angels to begin the 2024 season, the question is where the Angels will choose to play him.
Rengifo is about as versatile as they come. He's played practically every position on the field: second base, third base, shortstop, center field, left field and right field. Even as a batter he's versatile, showing power from both sides of the plate.
Angels general manager Perry Minasian broke down his thoughts on Rengifo while speaking with Halos Today this week in Glendale, Arizona.
“You could go either way with Luis. I believe that. He’s really matured over the last 2 years. He can handle different positions. I think he’s done a great job separating offense and defense, which young players learn over time. It’s very difficult to do. So he’s healthy, and looks good this spring."
— Angels GM Perry Minasian
Minasian also shared that this defensive strength of Rengifo has helped the 26-year-old mature to this point of his career. He no longers view his value as a player in terms of his abilities as a batter.
“Sometimes for young players, you can tell them but there’s an expectation that the way to impact a club that gets the most recognition is with his offense. I think he’s learned over time that even when you’re not having the best offensive day, you can change a game defensively. You can change a game on the bases. Just a maturation of the player.”
— Angels GM Perry Minasian
Most importantly, the Angels are expecting Rengifo to contribute significantly for the team in 2024, which is great news after a ruptured biceps tendon stunted his 2023 campaign.
Exactly when and where he plays will be left to Angels manager Ron Washington. For now, Minasian is confident enough in Rengifo's role on the team to say "I think he's somebody that's going to be impactful and help us in a lot of ways."
