ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Infielder Luis Rengifo has successfully won his salary arbitration case against the Los Angeles Angels for the second time in three years, securing a salary of $5.95 million, which surpasses the team’s proposal of $5.8 million.

The decision was rendered by arbitrators Brian Keller, Mary Theresa Metzler, and Stephen Raymond on Friday, following a presentation of arguments a day earlier. Rengifo had an impressive season last year, achieving personal bests with a .300 batting average and 24 stolen bases. Over the course of 78 games, he hit six home runs and recorded 30 RBIs. However, his performance was hampered by a viral infection that caused him to miss time from May 3 to 17, as well as right wrist inflammation from July 3 to 23. He concluded his season on August 2 and underwent surgery on his wrist just days later.

In a previous arbitration case two years ago, Rengifo had also triumphed over the Angels, securing $2.3 million against the team’s recommendation of $2 million. He settled at $4.4 million for the following season. Throughout his six-year career, all spent with the Angels, Rengifo maintains a .253 batting average along with 53 home runs, 187 RBIs, and 42 stolen bases out of 61 attempts. He will be eligible for free agency following the conclusion of this year’s World Series.

So far in this arbitration cycle, teams have emerged victorious in three out of five hearings. Notable cases include New York Yankees reliever Mark Leiter Jr., who was awarded $2.05 million compared to the $2.5 million sought, Pittsburgh pitcher Dennis Santana, who received $1.4 million instead of an expected $2.1 million, and Jovan Oviedo from the Pirates, who was granted $850,000 instead of $1.15 million. Additionally, Angels outfielder Mickey Moniak claimed his case, landing a salary of $2 million over the proposed $1.5 million.

A decision is still pending for St. Louis outfielder Lars Nootbaar, who requested $2.95 million while the team offered $2.45 million. The resolution of Nootbaar’s case is being held up until a decision is reached regarding Brendan Donovan, a fellow Cardinals outfielder and infielder.

Meanwhile, Cardinals right-hander Andre Pallante and Washington first baseman Nathaniel Lowe also have their hearings scheduled, which will continue until February 14.