Angels News: Anthony Rendon Only Has Playoffs On His Mind Following End of IL Stint

Los Angeles must make a run now!

The Los Angeles Angels got a major piece to their puzzle back as third baseman Anthony Rendon returned to the team. In the team’s 7-4 win over the Chicago Cubs on Monday, Rendon went 0-2 and grabbed a walk before exiting before the sixth inning. Just his presence alone in the lineup helps everyone but he knows that the team needs to start putting together wins and fast. 

“We haven’t made the playoffs in a long time. I take that burden, too, even if I wasn't here for those years. I came into this organization and I want to win. We all want to win. Hopefully, we all want to win. There’s no extra pressure. We just have to win now.”

-Anthony Rendon via 

MLB.com

When Rendon is in the lineup, the Angels simply are a better team. Over the last few seasons, the team is 97-90 when he is in the starting lineup and are 110-148 when he isn't. That's quite a difference and shows the value of Rendon.

“I just think we’re at our best when he’s there. I can talk all about what he means to this group and what he’s done.”

-Angels Manager Phil Nevin on Rendon via 

MLB.com

His Angels tenure has been hampered by countless injuries, limiting his ability to be on the field. He's back healthy and ready to help take this team on a potential run to the postseason. On the year, Rendon is hitting .295 with one home run, 20 runs batted in and has an OPS of .775.

Los Angeles finds themselves still sitting outside the playoff picture and the time is now to put together a string of wins. This team has the talent on the roster to do so but they have underperformed once again to start 2023.