Luis Rengifo Prefers to Stay in Infield, Still Open to Any Role to Help Angels

"I want to stay in the infield."

Luis Rengifo doesn't have a set position with the Los Angeles Angels but he knows that he wants to stay in the infield.

Given the injury history of third baseman Anthony Rendon, Rengifo might be the next-best option to play the hot corner. 

The utility man spoke with Halos Today at camp and expressed that he is willing to play anywhere. He just wants to help the team win.

“I don’t know what position I’m gonna play this year, but I want to stay in the infield," Rengifo said. "If they need me in the outfield, I’ll go to the outfield. And I’ll be available. The thing I have in my mind is just play, play every day, and help the team to win. That’s the most important thing.”

Manager Ron Washington told Halos Today that he envisions Rengifo moving all over the diamond.

"All of them except first. I think he’s too short to play first," Washington said when asked where Rengifo would play. "He’ll be playing some outfield, play some second, you might even see him play some short and some third. So all the infield positions except first base."

Rengifo returned to the field on Wednesday after experiencing some hamstring tightness. 

"Rengifo felt some tightness in his left hamstring while participating in running drills on Friday, and manager Ron Washington said it’s not considered a serious injury. Rengifo will be re-evaluated this week and is expected to miss a few days, but Washington said it won’t affect Rengifo’s ability to get ready for the regular season."

via MLB.com

He might not return for the Angels game against Cleveland on Thursday but he is expected to return to Cactus League action before spring training ends.