Rendon returns to Nats Park, where he was shaped into a veteran leader

WASHINGTON -- Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon only had to take one step off the team bus as it arrived at Nationals Park before Friday night’s 3-2 loss to the Nationals in 10 innings for a reminder of the 2019 World Series title he won with his former club.

“I mean, there’s a big sign when you get off the bus, and you can’t miss it,” Rendon said with a laugh. “Immediately, when I got off the bus, it's all a bunch of people that I recognized, and I was able to chat with everybody. Special memories pop in your mind as soon as you walk in the door. It’s good to be back.”

Because of scheduling quirks, Friday marked the first time that Rendon had returned to D.C. since signing with the Angels on a seven-year deal worth $245 million before the 2020 season. The Nationals, who only have lefty Patrick Corbin left from their 2019 roster, honored Rendon in a special pregame video tribute for his accomplishments with Washington from 2013-19, including two Silver Slugger Awards and an All-Star nod in ’19.

Rendon tipped his cap to fans after the video and also received a long standing ovation before his first at-bat, with catcher Keibert Ruiz taking a few steps toward the mound to allow for a longer applause. He went on to go 3-for-5 with three singles and a stolen base in the defeat, striking out to end the top of the 10th.

Much has transpired since Rendon left Washington, and it’s mostly been a struggle for him to stay healthy and productive over the past four seasons. But Rendon is grateful for his time with the Nationals and his experiences there that have helped him serve as a key leader for a young Angels club. He said he learned from veteran players such as Scott Hairston, Jayson Werth and Chad Tracy, and now it’s his turn to dispense his knowledge to others.

“It’s definitely different,” Rendon said. “It was an adjustment period, for sure, especially coming from D.C., where we always had leaders and tenured guys. I just listened to those guys, not knowing it would be my turn down the road. But now the stuff these guys told me 12 years ago, I’m sharing now.”

Despite his struggles staying healthy, Rendon is still widely respected in the Angels’ clubhouse because of his accomplishments, especially helping the Nationals win their only World Series in franchise history (2005-present). He also batted .328 with three homers, seven doubles and 15 RBIs in 17 games in the 2019 postseason, including hitting two homers and driving in eight runs in the Fall Classic against the Astros.

“Just the guidance of him being a World Series champ is definitely different,” said 22-year-old first baseman Nolan Schanuel. “And being able to experience the grind that he went through to get that. He told us early on in the season what we have to do in the future to get there and what it takes and all the aspects to it. It's not just playing a game, it's everything off the field as well.”

Angels manager Ron Washington said he believed Rendon deserved a big ovation from Nationals fans for what he accomplished with the club and that he’s become an indispensable part of the Angels’ clubhouse. With fellow veteran Mike Trout out for the year, Rendon’s role has only grown larger in helping the youngsters find their way.

“He means everything to us because he's the one veteran that's left, and he's the one veteran that we depend on,” Washington said. “The kids are gravitating to him, and he’s looked like he's having a lot of fun, and that's what we want.”

Despite Trout and Rendon missing most of the season due to injuries yet again, the Angels have been playing better with their young core. They have a winning record since the start of June, as young players such as shortstop Zach Neto, catcher Logan O’Hoppe, right-hander José Soriano, reliever Ben Joyce, right fielder Jo Adell and Schanuel have stepped up. Soriano allowed one run over six innings in the series opener, while Adell hit a two-run homer.

“It's been amazing,” Rendon said. “Obviously, with the injuries that we have had, the young guys have had an opportunity to blossom. I think that's what they're doing. They're talking with all the coaching staff and talking with the veteran players and trying to see, like, ‘Hey, how do we go about this business?' I think they're taking advantage of it, and they're putting their work into practice and they’re seeing success.”

Rendon, who is batting .245/.314/.295 with seven doubles and six RBIs in 36 games, said his goal the rest of the way is to simply do what he can to stay on the field. He was out from April 21 to July 8 with a left hamstring strain and again was placed on the IL with lower back inflammation on July 30 before returning on Wednesday against the Yankees.

“Just finish healthy,” Rendon said. “Play in as many games as I can and finish healthy.”