Luis Rengifo was an unequivocal upgrade at the top of the order for the Angels on Wednesday in Miami, beginning the game with a double. It marked the first hit by an Angels leadoff hitter this season, and it triggered a 10-2 victory.
Anthony Rendon batted leadoff the first five games and went 0 for 19. The oft-criticized, oft-injured third baseman had batted first only 35 times in 1,116 previous major league games, but new manager Ron Washington figured it was worth a shot.
Sticking with the plan will be a test of Washington’s patience.