“Mixed feelings” as High-Profile Angels Talent Undergoes Season-Ending Surgery

Luis Rengifo, infielder for the Los Angeles Angels, has had wrist surgery that will end his season, but he is anticipated to be ready for Spring Training in 2025, as reported by Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register.

This marks the conclusion of Rengifo’s best career season, during which he batted .300, stole 24 bases, and emerged as a highly sought-after infielder ahead of the MLB trade deadline. The Angels chose to retain him, but Rengifo only participated in three games afterward before leaving the August 1 game against the Mets in the fifth inning.

At 27, Rengifo is a switch hitter with one more year of team control before he becomes a free agent in 2025. He is set to earn $ 4.4 million this season, and the injury may impact his final arbitration season.

Additionally, Fletcher mentioned that pitcher Chase Silseth also had season-ending surgery on his elbow, though it was not Tommy John surgery, and he is also expected to return for Spring Training.

Luis Rengifo’s wrist injury has plagued him for a while

Yes, the Angels decided against trading Rengifo at the deadline. This may have been due to other teams hesitating to give up much for a player with uncertain health status.

Rengifo missed 15 games in July because of a wrist injury that occurred just as trade discussions were intensifying. Prior to that, he was performing well, batting .315 with an .800 OPS. However, since returning from the Injured List, his performance has dropped to .188 with a .476 OPS and just one extra-base hit.

With the Angels out of playoff contention, there was no reason to prolong the situation with Rengifo. The team can now focus on either rebuilding for 2025 or strategizing for the future. Rengifo could still be a valuable trade target in the offseason, especially since his salary likely won’t reflect his potential. However, his remaining year of team control may diminish his asking price.