Angels Make Unfortunate Announcement After Anthony Rendon News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated Mar 16, 2025 6:55 PM ET

The Los Angeles Angels are looking to bounce back from their worst season in franchise history. Losing 99 games in 2024, the Angels made some offseason additions to hopefully be more competitive in 2025.

One addition the Angels made this offseason was at third base. Signing former Chicago White Sox star Yoan Moncada, Los Angeles prepared to enter a new era at the hot corner.

It was announced before Spring Training by Angels owner Arte Moreno that third baseman Anthony Rendon would not play at all this season (via Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com). This news added even more importance to the Moncada signing.

Moncada had a tough 2024 campaign, as injuries limited him to just 12 games. That said, the switch-hitting infielder put together stretches of very impressive play during his time with the White Sox. Hoping to get some of this in Anaheim, the Angels signed him to a one-year, $5 million deal this offseason.

On Sunday, the Angels announced via manager Ron Washington that Moncada's opening day status is in jeopardy due to a thumb injury (via Jeff Fletcher of the OC Register).

Yoán Moncada's thumb is worse than we thought. His spot on the Opening Day roster is now in doubt. Probably opens the door for Tim Anderson as the starting 2B (with Rengifo at 3b)

Also, some good news on Zach Neto, and a little talk about the lineup.https://t.co/38Z68uCWPS
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) March 16, 2025

With Rendon being out for the season, this news is even more unfortunate for the Angels. Posting a 140 OPS+ in 2019, Moncada has yet to replicate that production, but is still just 29 years old. The Cuban infielder has struggled in Spring Training, getting just four hits in 21 at-bats, but has drawn seven walks to boost a very impressive .393 on-base percentage.

Without Rendon and Moncada, the Angels will have to dip further into their infield depth.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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