The Angels introduced previous to tonight’s sport towards the Mets that the membership has chosen the contract of infielder Charles Leblanc. The Angels already had area on the 40-man roster accessible within the aftermath of this week’s commerce deadline, that means no corresponding transfer was essential to make room for Leblanc on the 40-man roster. Leblanc will take the place of infielder Luis Rengifo on the lively roster as Rengifo was positioned on the 10-day IL resulting from wrist irritation.
Rengifo, 27, obtained a lot of commerce curiosity within the run-up to the deadline himself however finally remained in Anaheim, maybe partially resulting from issues surrounding his wrist. The switch-hitter was positioned on the IL with proper wrist irritation slightly below a month in the past and was finally sidelined for round three weeks earlier than being activated every week previous to the deadline. Rengifo has struggled badly since his return, nevertheless, slashing simply .188/.257/.219 in 9 video games. Per week-long droop isn’t essentially indicative of something critical, however supervisor Ron Washington informed reporters (together with Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register) earlier this week that Rengifo had skilled a little bit of a “flare-up” of his earlier wrist harm and could be re-evaluated within the coming days.
The infielder took the subsequent day without work however appeared in yesterday’s contest, finally taking two at-bats earlier than exiting within the fifth inning. Evidently, the continued issues with Rengifo’s wrist have now risen to the purpose the place the membership feels a second stint on the shelf is critical. It’s not but clear what the 27-year-old’s timetable for return seems to be like at this level, however it’s actually a disappointing flip of occasions for a teenager who was having fun with a breakout season previous to the harm. By July 2, Rengifo posted a wonderful .319/.362/.448 slash line in 266 journeys to the plate whereas splitting time between second and third base alongside cameos at shortstop and in proper subject. His switch-hitting bat, defensive versatility, and youth all determine to as soon as once more make him a horny commerce candidate this offseason, when he’ll undergo his closing journey by means of arbitration earlier than free company.
As for Leblanc, the 28-year-old signed a minor league deal with the Angels again in November and can now get his first alternative within the majors since 2022. A fourth-round decide by the Rangers within the 2016 draft, Leblanc’s large league debut got here six years later as a member of the Marlins. He finally performed 48 video games in Miami, slashing a good .263/.320/.404 with ten doubles, 4 homers, and 4 stolen bases in 169 journeys to the plate for the membership whereas splitting time between first base, second base, and third base. Leblanc spent the 2023 season within the minors with Miami and slashed a powerful .253/.384/.423 however didn’t handle to crack the large league membership. In 91 video games at Triple-A with the Halos this yr, Leblanc has proven related on-base capability with a little bit extra pop as he’s hit .262/.382/.472 within the offense-friendly setting of the Pacific Coast League. He’ll provide the Angels some depth for his or her infield combine in the interim amid accidents to each Rengifo and Anthony Rendon.
