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Ron Washington Refuses to Name Luis Rengifo 'Everyday Guy,' Says He'll Play Everywhere for Angels
USA TODAY Sports

Luis Rengifo doesn't have a set position but his versatility and production history have him in line to see a lot of playing time with the Angels in 2024. 

Still, new manager Ron Washington isn't ready to name him an everyday player.

Washington spoke to told reporters on Thursday, including Halos Today's Noah Camras, and said Rengifo is "gonna get his at-bats."

He’s gonna play second, he’s gonna play third, he’s gonna play a little outfield. So we’re gonna definitely get him some at-bats. But as far as him being an everyday guy, I can’t stand here and say that. But he will get his at-bats.”

— Angels manager Ron Washington

The 26-year-old is considered one of the club's top utility players. Rengifo said he's comfortable at any position, but he will need to have a productive first half to prove that he's worth playing every day. 

In the past two years, Rengifo's second-half production has outpaced his first. He slashed .318/.374/.587 with 11 homers, nine doubles, and 29 RBIs in 50 games after the All-Star break last year compared to .219/.312/.326 with five homers, six doubles, and 22 RBIs in 76 games before it. 

Rengifo's 2022 was similar: a .694 OPS in 58 games before the break and a .745 OPS in 69 games after it.

One day in advance of the team's first full-squad workouts, Rengifo arrived at Angels camp Sunday and is fully healthy after a freak injury left him with a torn left biceps tendon on Sept. 7. He underwent surgery and resumed baseball activities in January.

This article first appeared on FanNation Halos Today and was syndicated with permission.

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