Angels' Anthony Rendon Reveals What He's Changing to Stay Healthier in 2024
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Los Angeles Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon has been a frequent topic of conversation among fans and detractors lately. Rendon appeared on the Jack Vita show and discussed many topics that hit the headlines.
First he said MLB should shorten its season. Then it was reported that he hates baseball ― by no less an authority than a former teammate, former Washington Nationals pitcher Jonathan Papelbon.
In another segment on the Jack Vita Show, Rendon revealed what he's doing this offseason to stay healthy and available for the Halos in the future. He has three years and $114 million remaining on a contract originally signed prior to the 2020 season.
Rendon said he plans on playing the majority of 2024.
“I'm thinking 30 years of wear and tear, it finally gets to you. Right? So you're not gonna be able to do the things that you did in the past. So that was kind of the transition of what we're looking at this offseason. How do we look at all that data pretty much that we are thinking about? And how do we put that into a workout program to make you the most beneficial during the season to stay on the field each and every day. And so l think it's just continuing tweaking stuff here and there. Alright, well, I felt this, I felt that. Alright, let's tweak this, let's tweak that. Just kind of listening to your body, basically, and put yourself in the best position to make it through the whole season.”
It's been difficult for Rendon to stay healthy and available since becoming a Halo. In four seasons, Rendon has only played in 200 of a possible 546 games. He's been out of the lineup 64 percent of the time.
At 33, Rendon's list of injuries has become long and varied: an oblique injury to the left groin, knee, triceps, hip, wrist, another groin, another wrist, and finally, a shin injury. It's a never-ending cycle, and as he ages, it's fair to ask if he will ever be healthy.
However, Rendon seems determined to change that narrative and play for the team. His base salary of $38 million next season isn't getting cheaper.
The Angels haven't gotten much bang for their buck in the first four years of Rendon's contract. Now they can only hope that changes to his training regimen change the narrative of his career.
