By Brian Argabright
The 830 Times
It may not have been how he would have liked, but looks like “Captain” Jack Mayfield’s stay on the Los Angeles Angels roster could last the rest of the season.
The Angels announced Wednesday that Anthony Rendon would have season-ending surgery to repair what is described as a “right hip impingement.” Rendon was the Angels’ starting third baseman, but since his injury prior to the All-Star break, Del Rio’s Mayfield has been his primary replacement at the hot corner.
Rendon had already made three trips to the injured list this season, giving Mayfield a chance to be a regular contributor to the Angels.
Over the last two weeks, Mayfield has smashed five home runs, driven in 10 runs and batted .213. His latest big blast was a two-run home run Tuesday night in an 11-3 win over the Texas Rangers. He’s also done some impressive work with his glove, proving he’s the best defensive option the Angels have at that position currently.
This is his second stint with the Angels this season. After being designated for assignment by the Astros during the offseason, Mayfield was acquired by the Atlanta Braves but three months later he was traded to the Angels for cash.
Mayfield’s first stint with the Angels lasted until April 24 when he was again designated for assignment. This time, the Seattle Mariners acquired Mayfield three days later. He remained with the organization, playing 11 games for the M’s, until he was designated for assignment June 10. Three days later, Mayfield was back with the Angels.
After a short stint with the Salt Lake Bees, the Angels’ Triple-A affiliate, Mayfield was called up to the Angels on July 6 and has been with the team ever since.
Mayfield, a 2009 graduate of Del Rio High School, was a multiple time all-district selection for the Rams. He went onto play for the University of Oklahoma, earning all-conference honors and appearing in the College World Series, before signing with the Houston Astros as an undrafted free agent in June 2013.
Mayfield made his debut with the Astros on Memorial Day 2019, smashing a double off the left field wall in his first major league at-bat at Minute Maid Park.
Several Del Rioans have made the trek to Arlington this week to catch Mayfield in action against the Rangers. One of those fans, Charley Williams, said he was able to speak to Mayfield following the Angels’ 4-1 loss to the Rangers Monday. He said he presented Mayfield with a Del Rio Rams T-shirt and said he hoped it would help “Captain Jack” solve some recent hitting woes.
After Mayfield’s two-run home run Tuesday, Williams messaged the 830 Times and said, “Captain Jack went yard! It’s the Del Rio Rams shirt! Gotta be the shirt!”
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Contact the author at drnhsports@gmail.com
