"When Mike Trout gets injured, he's got tears in his eyes, that's who he is" - Angels pundits blame Anthony Rendon for public criticism
MLB analysts Jon and Mike Frisch discussed the injury problems Anthony Rendon and Mike Trout of the LA Angels faced this season. Injuries have played spoilsport for a major chunk of the Angels' 2024 season. Trout won't be back before 2025 due to a recurring meniscus injury.
Third baseman Anthony Rendon was again placed on the IL due to a left oblique strain. This is the third time this season the 34-year-old has been out of action due to injury.
With fitness being a major issue for Rendon this campaign, he has been accused of not caring enough about the team. On Wednesday's edition of "Locked on Angels," the Frisch brothers talked about why Rendon has that kind of image but not Trout.
"Yeah, we're frustrated with Trout, but when Trout gets injured, his lips quiver. He's got tears in his eyes. I don't think that's unnatural, that's who he is. [About Rendon] People will say he doesn't care. It's hard to know if he does care because we don't hear from him (Rendon)." Mike said (18:40).
"[In Trout's case] It's not 'no habla ingles', because that is what Rendon has said, and people have ran with that. Everytime he gets injured, it's a joke about 'no habla ingles,'" Jon added to the conversation.
The incident Jon referred to was Rendon's comment when he was asked about an injury in September of 2023 by Angels insider Sam Blum.
When asked for an update, the third baseman said “No habla inglés today” before leaving.
According to Jon and Mike, such incidents have led to fans questioning the third baseman's commitment.
Anthony Rendon said he has "no idea" how to deal with injuries as frustrating campaign continues
Anthony Rendon was left out of the LA Angels' squad to face the Minnesota Twins on Monday with yet another injury concern. Later, he was placed on the 10-day injured list with a strained left oblique muscle.
Rendon said he left no stone unturned in an effort to stay injury-free this season, but so far, nothing has seemed to work.
"No matter what I do, everything I try, it doesn’t work. I have no idea [how to fix it]. If you have any recommendations, I’ll take them. I feel like I’ve exhausted every blood test, DNA test, food, nutrition, allergies, anti-inflammatory stuff. And I have no idea. Everything that’s not a banned substance." Anthony Rendon said via Jeff Fletcher.
Despite a tough season, Rendon is determined to overcome the challenge. The 34-year-old knows he isn't getting any younger but said he is determined to "fight his a*s off" to get back to the level he was at in the past.