The Angels introduced previous to tonight’s recreation towards the Mets that the membership has chosen the contract of infielder Charles Leblanc. The Angels already had area on the 40-man roster out there 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 energetic roster as Rengifo was positioned on the 10-day IL resulting from wrist irritation.
Rengifo, 27, acquired lots of commerce curiosity within the run-up to the deadline himself however in the end remained in Anaheim, maybe partially resulting from issues surrounding his wrist. The switch-hitter was positioned on the IL with proper wrist irritation just below a month in the past and was in the end sidelined for round three weeks earlier than being activated per week previous to the deadline. Rengifo has struggled badly since his return, nonetheless, slashing simply .188/.257/.219 in 9 video games. Per week-long hunch isn’t essentially indicative of something critical, however supervisor Ron Washington advised 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 damage and could be re-evaluated within the coming days.
The infielder took the subsequent day without work however appeared in yesterday’s contest, in the end 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 appears like at this level, however it’s definitely a disappointing flip of occasions for a teen who was having fun with a breakout season previous to the damage. Via 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 lovely commerce candidate this offseason, when he’ll undergo his last journey by way 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 in the end 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 robust .253/.384/.423 however didn’t handle to crack the massive league membership. In 91 video games at Triple-A with the Halos this 12 months, Leblanc has proven related on-base skill with a bit of extra pop as he’s hit .262/.382/.472 within the offense-friendly surroundings 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.
