Why Angels' Luis Rengifo Didn't Stick in Leadoff Spot

Maren Angus-Coombs | Apr 5, 2024

Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Before the season began, Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington thought that Luis Rengifo would be the leadoff man to get the offense going.

That hasn't been the case. Washington explained why in an interview with reporters includingJeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register.

“Down here he’s making too many outs on first pitches,” Washington said. “If you’re going to be in the leadoff spot, you have to work the pitcher a little bit.”

The 27-year-old entered this season as the primary backup at second base, third base, and shortstop. He figures into the lineup defensively and will get plenty of playing time because of his versatility but he has to produce at the plate to keep himself in the lineup.

In 2022, Rengifo had a .572 OPS through his first 112 plate appearances, and then a .764 OPS over his last 399. Last season he had a .590 OPS through his first 226 plate appearances, followed by a .980 OPS over the last 219 trips to the plate. His 2023 season also ended prematurely when he ruptured his biceps tendon in September and needed surgery.

Playing for a new manager in Washington brought Rengifo two new hitting coaches – Johnny Washington and Tim Laker – who are trying to keep the good version of Rengifo on the field.

“The good version, that guy’s a good player,” Washington said. “I think with just a few more at-bats, he’ll find his spot again and continue to play the way he did in the second half last year.”

Rengifo is 3-for-10 with two doubles to start the season and told Fletcher that he’s better when he goes to the plate with “a game plan.”

“The most important thing is to keep battling every single time when I’m in the box,” Rengifo said. “It’s more about being in the game all the time. Know the situation. Know the plan when you hit.”

As for the starting lineup situation, Rengifo battled a couple of injuries during spring training and Washington said that his work has been good so far but he is still catching up to where he should be.

“He’s taking huge strides,” Washington said. “He’s just going up to the plate with conviction and understanding his plan, his approach, and being able to be selective with his pitch selection, given the game state and understand the story of the pitcher: what he throws, how he’s going to use it, how he’s going to attack him. I think he has a tremendous understanding of that. He is growing with it. I’m excited.”