OC Register: Angels’ Anthony Rendon unlikely to return for weeks after MRI results

[AngelsWin.com]

ANAHEIM — Anthony Rendon’s difficulties to recover from a shin contusion have been pinpointed, with a deep bone bruise considered the culprit that will keep the veteran third baseman out at least a few more weeks.

Rendon has not played since July 4 against the San Diego Padres, struggling with discomfort every time he tried to ramp up a physical fitness regimen. Pain typically followed in his lower leg the day after workouts.

“There’s some significant bleeding inside the bone,” manager Phil Nevin said.

The diagnosis was made after Rendon underwent an MRI on Friday. Previous X-rays and CT scans ruled out a fracture.

“This is more significant than we actually thought,” Nevin said. “He’s in a lot of pain. We were trying to figure that out and by doing this, getting these images of it, it’s really telling us a lot today. We’re going to have to calm him down for a little while.”

Nevin declined to be specific on a new recovery timetable although Rendon’s return is starting to look more like the middle of August at best. He has played just 43 games this season, also missing time with a groin injury in May.

“This guy has been in a lot of pain and it has been frustrating not having answers,” Nevin said. “I think (the MRI) gave us a clearer picture of what he has been dealing with. It’s just something that is going to take some time.”

Rendon is batting .236 with a .678 OPS in 43 games this season, hitting two home runs with 22 RBIs.

In the fourth year of a seven-year, $245 million contract, Rendon has played 200 games with the Angels, batting .249 with a .758 OPS and 22 home runs with 111 RBIs. He has yet to play 60 games in a season for the club.

BACKING OFF

Rookie shortstop Zach Neto was a late scratch with lower back tightness, while Andrew Velazquez took over on the infield while batting ninth.

Neto experienced back discomfort late in Friday’s game against the Pirates and was willing to play Saturday before the Angels altered the plan. Nevin said the club is considering another day off Sunday, affording Neto three days of rest with Monday’s off day.

“We were doing some work on him with our doctors and chiropractors and it was tightening up even more,” Nevin said.

Neto, who missed a month through the All-Star break with a left oblique strain, is batting .252 with eight home runs and 27 RBIs in 62 games of his rookie season. The 22-year-old was a first-round draft pick last year out of Campbell.

CHARTING THE COURSE

Nevin said the Angels remain undecided on the next start from the mound for right-hander Shohei Ohtani, with the outing narrowed down to Thursday’s day game at Detroit or Friday’s series opener at Toronto.

If Ohtani stayed on a plan of pitching on five days of rest, he would not only start in Thursday’s day game at Detroit, he would be lined up for a day game at Atlanta on Aug. 2.

“That would mean two day games for Sho in really hot climates right now,” Nevin said. “… It’s more about what is going to be best for his proper rest and recovery and still be at the top of his game pitching wise.”

Ohtani has made 13 of his 19 starts this season on five days of rest, going 6-3 with a 3.38 ERA in those instances, while holding opponents to a .191 batting average.

ALSO

The club sent right-hander Jose Marte on a rehab assignment to the Arizona Complex League. Marte was shut down in spring training with a stress reaction in his right elbow and has not pitched this season.

Right-hander Sam Bachman, who was placed on the IL on July 14 with shoulder inflammation, remains a few days away from beginning a throwing program, Nevin said.

UP NEXT

Pirates (RHP Mitch Keller, 9-5, 3.73 ERA), vs. Angels (LHP Tyler Anderson, 4-2, 5.17 ERA), Sunday, 1:07 p.m., Bally Sports West, 830 AM

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[Angel Oracle]

Why did it take so long to do the MRI?

Isn’t that something usually done if x-rays are negative?

[fan_since79]

Many medical sites on the internet talk about a month or two for many bone bruises to heal. Deeper bruises can take 3-4 months. I doubt we'll be seeing much of Rendon for the rest of this year. A lost season for him with three more to go.

I hope he opts for some better protection while in the batter's box.

[VladdyforHOF]

7 minutes ago, fan_since79 said:

Many medical sites on the internet talk about a month or two for many bone bruises to heal. Deeper bruises can take 3-4 months. I doubt we'll be seeing much of Rendon for the rest of this year. A lost season for him with three more to go.

I hope he opts for some better protection while in the batter's box.

They'll need to make Rendon an iron-man suit.

[johndw52]

Never did care for Cal Ripken but man but his record becomes more astonishing with each year. Never again.