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Angels make Anthony Rendon roster move to complete trade with Braves

Originally posted on ClutchPoints | By Owen Crisafulli | Last updated 5/9/24

New year, same old Los Angeles Angels. The 2024 campaign has looked awfully similar to previous disappointing campaigns for the Angels, as they have crawled out to a 14-23 record while enduring several big injuries and poor production from their pitching staff. They aren’t going to stand pat, though, and idly continue to rack up losses, which explains a pair of moves they made on Thursday morning.

One of the big names who has picked up an injury early this season is Anthony Rendon, who continues to struggle to stay on the field for Los Angeles. Rendon suffered a high-grade partial tear of his left hamstring back in April, and now that he’s expected to be out a couple months as he attempts to heal from this injury, it led to the team going out and trading for Luis Guillorme from the Atlanta Braves. In a corresponding move, Rendon was placed on the 60-day injured list in order to make room for Guillorme on the roster.

Via Jon Morosi:

“Trade today: Angels acquire Luis Guillorme from Braves in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations. Anthony Rendon moved to 60-day IL to clear a 40-man spot for Guillorme.”

Angels hoping Luis Guillorme can help out in Anthony Rendon’s absence

Atlanta Braves second baseman Luis Guillorme (15) throws a runner out at first against the Miami Marlins in the ninth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Rendon wasn’t doing much prior to his injury (.267 BA, 0 HR, 3 RBI, .632 OPS), but he is Los Angeles’ starting third baseman, so they need to find a way to get by without him. Cole Tucker has largely emerged as the guy filling in for Rendon for the time being, but third base is not his natural position, and he doesn’t exactly have a track record of success in the majors.

That’s why picking up Guillorme was a move the front office felt a need to make. A veteran utility infielder who can fill in at several different spots, Guillorme will probably be used in several different positions for the Angels, because they need help everywhere right now. Guillorme can play at second base, third base, and shortstop, which will help give Ron Washington some options when it comes to filling out the lineup card on a nightly basis.

Guillorme obviously isn’t a huge producer at the plate, and he’s struggled early on in limited opportunities with the Braves (.150 BA, 0 HR, 3 RBI, .440 OPS). But beggars can’t be choosers, and the Angels are aware that they likely aren’t going to be able to completely fill in Rendon’s shoes, even though he wasn’t producing much.

Regardless, Los Angeles will be hoping to get anything they can out of Guillorme while they wait for Rendon to return, and his move to the 60-day injured list indicates that the team isn’t expecting him back anytime soon. It’s tough to see that the Angels are already down on their luck in the injury department, but at this point, it’s pretty much standard operating procedure for them.

This article first appeared on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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