The Los Angeles Angels decided to scratch utility player Luis Rengifo and outfielder Jorge Soler from Friday’s lineup, despite both being healthy. The team opted to be cautious with some of their players due to the field conditions following morning rain.
Soler, who was the first addition to the Angels’ roster this offseason, has had an impressive spring, hitting .444 with two home runs, six RBIs, a double, and three walks in 18 at-bats during Cactus League play.
Luis Rengifo and Jorge Soler are both healthy scratches from today's lineup. #Angels just being cautious because of the field conditions after it rained this morning.
— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) March 7, 2025
Rengifo, who has yet to record a hit this spring, has only played in one Cactus League game so far. He was also scratched from Monday’s lineup due to hamstring tightness, but this time his absence was due to a healthy scratch. The 28-year-old missed 100 games last season because of injuries, but the team is hopeful for a healthier 2025 season.
In 2024, Rengifo had a solid year, batting .300 with a .347 on-base percentage, .417 slugging, six home runs, 13 doubles, 24 stolen bases, and 30 RBIs in 78 games. Before injuring his wrist in July, he was even considered an All-Star candidate. After the injury, he played just nine games before opting for surgery, marking the second consecutive season that his year ended with an injury.
“I’m putting last year behind me,” Rengifo said, according to MLB.com’s Rhett Bollinger. “This year is a fresh start. My goal is to stay healthy and be in the lineup every day.”
Rengifo has been showing off his versatility this spring by playing second and third base, and manager Ron Washington mentioned that Rengifo could also see time in the outfield. Tim Anderson has recently been experimenting with outfield duties to test his versatility.
Rengifo is among several players competing for a starting infield spot. With Zach Neto starting the season on the injured list, the Angels need to find a starting shortstop. Top prospect Christian Moore is also vying for the role of the team’s primary second baseman this spring.
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