After a heated confrontation with a fan on Opening Day, Angel Los Angeles third player Anthony Rendon could have trouble with MLB.
Immediately after a viral video After Rendon grabbed and attempted to hit an Oakland Athletics fan, an MLB spokesman said the league was investigating the incident.
The angels have yet to comment, but Jeff Fletcher The Orange County Register said Rendon could resolve the situation as soon as Saturday.
Rendon was captured on video grabbing an A fan by the shirt aggressively after the 2-1 loss on Opening Day of the Angels on Thursday. The two exchange as Rendon pulls the fan closer before slapping him in the face.
The Oakland Police Department has also launched an investigation, according to Sports TMZ.
“While we still don’t know who the victim is, surveillance video of the incident has emerged,” a spokesperson for the Oakland Police Department said in a statement to TMZ Sports. “As a result, OPD created an incident, made a report, and is actively investigating.”
It’s unclear what kind of disciplinary action Rendon may face from the tournament, if any. However, MLB has the opportunity to set a precedent.
There’s no excuse for poor fan behavior, but Rendon has crossed the line that no player should. That doesn’t mean fans can say whatever they want, but Rendon probably faces a severe punishment.
Neither the fans nor Rendon were present, and the apparent lack of security at the Oakland Coliseum probably didn’t help. It’s an ugly blemish on the first day of the season, though, and an MLB will likely want to clean up quickly.
Rendon’s time with the Angels did not go well. Along with his unflattering looks on Thursday, Rendon did little to reach the $245 million price LA paid in 2020.
In three seasons with the Angels, the 33-year-old played just 157 games, scoring 0.252/.359/420 with 20 home runs and 89 RBIs.
