The Los Angeles Angels are one of the worst teams in the American League, and, as a result, they are expected to be sellers with the trade deadline approaching at the end of the month.
One of the players they could flip to get a nice package of prospects in return is infielder Luis Rengifo, who is having the season of his life with a .315 batting average, 36 runs scored and 22 stolen bases.
Rengifo, however, has landed on the injured list with a wrist injury.
“A wrist injury interrupts Luis Rengifo’s career year,” Talkin’ Baseball tweeted.
A wrist injury interrupts Luis Rengifo’s career year pic.twitter.com/NdqmXA8T3w
Rengifo suffered the injury on Wednesday against the Oakland Athletics. He fouled a ball off his right arm near his wrist and had to leave the game.
The Angels sent him for X-rays, which didn’t show any fractures, but an MRI showed inflammation in the area, and the team placed him on the 10-day IL. There is still no word on how long he actually will be out, but the injury comes at the worst possible time with the trade deadline quickly approaching.
Even if he is recovering, teams should be lining up for Rengifo’s services, as he is not expected to be sidelined for too long.
He has some pop (12 doubles, six homers this season) and can play multiple infield and outfield positions, making him a versatile piece for any contender.
It doesn’t make sense for the Angels to keep him, as he is relatively close to free agency and they aren’t expected to contend in 2024, or in 2025, for that matter.