When Will Anthony Rendon Make His Catcus League Debut This Season For Angels?

He told his manager he didn't want to play on Saturday.

Michael Stefanic was awarded the start at third base for the Los Angeles Angels' Cactus League opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday because Anthony Rendon told manager Ron Washington that he preferred to wait until Sunday to play his first game.

Angels 3B Michael Stefanic left the game today with a left quad strain.

— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) February 24, 2024

Whether it was directed at Rendon or not, Washington was asked about what kind of influence he's had on his young guys and guys he might be counting on this season during his in-game interview, and he answered genuinely.

"I think the influence I put on them is learn how to work, learn how to trust your work, and learn how to come to work. If you think about it, your ability that you have will show up through the work."

Ron Washington via Bally Sports

Stefanic was lifted from the game at the of the first inning with a strained left quad. He is in his third season with the Angels organization and appeared in 25 games last season.