Angels activate Rendon from IL, will serve 5-game suspension from June

The Los Angeles Angels activated third baseman Anthony Rendon from the injured list. The 32-year-old will serve a five-game suspension before returning for the final three games of the 2022 campaign.

Wrist surgery has kept Rendon sidelined since the middle of June, and he was initially expected to miss the remainder of the season.

Rendon's suspension is for his involvement in a bench-clearing brawl with the Seattle Mariners during a game on June 26. Rendon struck Mariners outfielder Jesse Winker in the face with his left hand while his right hand was in a cast to protect his injured wrist.

Rendon explained the rationale for his return centered around entering the offseason with some peace of mind, not getting his suspension out of the way, according to SoCal News Group's Jeff Fletcher.

The Angels designated first baseman Mike Ford for assignment in a corresponding move to make room for Rendon on the roster.

Rendon has struggled to stay on the field since joining L.A. on a massive seven-year, $245-million contract before the 2020 campaign.

The two-time Silver Slugger has appeared in just 155 games over parts of three seasons with the Angels, posting a .780 OPS with 20 home runs and 89 RBIs.