Papelbon: Angels' Rendon 'literally hates baseball'

Former big-league pitcher Jonathan Papelbon had some interesting things to say about Los Angeles Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon, claiming his ex-teammate doesn't enjoy playing baseball.

"Played with Rendon, and (he) literally hates baseball," Papelbon posted on social media platform X. "Yeah, it's long, isn't that what you signed up for??? Just tell the team you want to play half the season and give back half your salary!!!!!"

Papelbon's comments were in response to an answer Rendon gave about one thing he'd change in MLB during a recent interview.

“I'm going to say something very lighthearted so I don't get in trouble when I get to spring training," Rendon said while laughing on the "Jack Vita Show."

"We've got to shorten the season, man. It's too many dang games. One hundred sixty-two games, 185, 183 days, whatever it is. We've got to shorten this bad boy up. Let's go."

Papelbon and Rendon played together with the Washington Nationals in 2015 and 2016 before the pitcher retired. Rendon continued to play with the Nationals until he departed for a seven-year, $245-million contract with the Angels following the 2019 season.

Rendon's deal has been a disaster for the Angels so far, with the two-time Silver Slugger appearing in 200 games over four seasons.