Rendon (groin) will start at third base and bat cleanup in Sunday's Cactus League game against the Padres, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

EDGE Analysis

As anticipated, Rendon will make his return to the lineup for the first time in one week after he reported groin discomfort following his most recent spring appearance last Sunday. The missed week of action shouldn't put Rendon too far behind his healthy teammates as Opening Day approaches. Heading into the fifth season of the seven-year, $245 million megadeal he signed with the Angels in December 2019, the 33-year-old Rendon will be looking to bounce back after he posted a career-worst .679 OPS over 183 plate appearances during an injury-shortened 2023 campaign.

Manager Ron Washington said he expects Rendon (groin) to return to the Angels' lineup Sunday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

EDGE Analysis

Groin discomfort has prevented Rendon from playing in Cactus League games since Sunday, but it appears his absence won't extend longer than a week. Rendon has logged two hits in 10 at-bats so far this spring while drawing four walks and scoring twice. He posted a .679 OPS last season -- the lowest mark of his 11-year career -- and he hasn't eclipsed 250 plate appearances in a season since joining the Angels in 2020.

Rendon (groin) said that he's showing improvement and may be able to face live pitching in batting practice Thursday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

EDGE Analysis

Even if the Angels elect to hold Rendon out of live batting practice Thursday, the veteran third baseman is optimistic that he'll rejoin the Cactus League lineup "soon." He clarified that the groin discomfort he's experiencing is more along the lines of soreness rather than a strain, adding that he's proceeding cautiously just to prevent the issue from worsening and becoming something that plagues him all season.

Rendon (groin) will go through a normal workout Wednesday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rendon took it easy for a couple days after feeling some discomfort in his groin Sunday. He's ready to ramp back up again, however, and should return to Cactus League games before long if all goes well. The veteran third baseman is slated to bat cleanup for the Angels this season.

Rendon reported discomfort in his groin Sunday and will be out through at least Wednesday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

EDGE Analysis

Manager Ron Washington said he's not too concerned about Rendon's injury but noted that Rendon's absence may extend beyond Wednesday if he's not at 100 percent. Rendon is currently 2-for-10 with four walks and two runs scored through six Cactus League games and is in line to serve as the Angels' cleanup hitter once the regular season begins.

Angels manager Ron Washington said Thursday that Rendon (lower leg) will be the team's cleanup hitter this season, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

That's for days he's not on the injured list, of course. Rendon has played just 200 of a possible 546 games in four seasons with the Angels due to a variety of injuries but doesn't appear to be under any restrictions this spring. It's possible the Angels elect to use him often at designated hitter in 2024 in hopes that it will help keep him on the field.

Angels manager Phil Nevin said Saturday that Rendon (lower leg) isn't expected to play again before the end of the season, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rendon has been participating in baseball activities since early September as he recovers from a fractured tibia, but Nevin said Rendon hasn't progressed enough to be activated before the end of the year. Rendon will finish 2023 with a .236/.361/.318 slash line to go along with two homers and 22 RBI across 183 plate appearances.

Rendon (lower leg) revealed Friday that he was diagnosed with a fractured left tibia in August, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The injury had been called a bone bruise ever since Rendon landed on the IL in mid-July, but at least there is now a bit more clarity as to why he's remained on the shelf. Rendon just recently resumed baseball activities and seems doubtful to return to the Angels' active roster before the end of the season.

Rendon (lower leg) did some light jogging on the field Friday, Doug Padilla of The Orange County Register reports.

EDGE Analysis

This is further evidence that Rendon is finally making progress in his recovery from a bone bruise in his left shin. The veteran third baseman has also been running on a treadmill and hitting off a tee, though he doesn't appear to be particularly close to a return. With the season quickly winding down and the Angels out of contention for a playoff spot, it wouldn't be surprising if Rendon has already played his last game in 2023.

Rendon (lower leg) has been hitting off a tee and running on a treadmill, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

EDGE Analysis

Rendon has been on the injured list since July 14 due to a bone bruise in his left shin, and it appears progress is finally being made in his recovery. Rendon will be eligible to return from the IL on Saturday, but given how slow his rehab process has been, there is no guarantee he makes it back before the end of the season.