Angels' Rodriguez to open season on IL
Los Angeles Angels right-hander Grayson Rodriguez, who missed the 2025 season due to injury, will start his 2026 season on the injured list, according to Angels host and reporter Erica Weston.
Rodriguez, acquired by the Angels from the Baltimore Orioles for outfielder Taylor Ward in November, had been shut down earlier this week after experiencing arm soreness. Manager Kurt Suzuki referred to his issues as "dead arm" while speaking to reporters Thursday in Arizona, per Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com.
Suzuki said Sunday that the team is going to "slow play" Rodriguez for now, and did not provide a firm timetable for his return, according to Michael Huntley of the Sporting Tribune. The 26-year-old played some light catch at Angel Stadium on Sunday, but did not throw a full bullpen.
Rodriguez, a first-round pick of the Orioles in 2018, last appeared in a major-league game on July 31, 2024. He missed the final two months of 2024 because of a lat issue, and didn't pitch at all last year while battling elbow inflammation and a lat strain.
Before his injury troubles, the Houston native appeared to be on the verge of a breakout in Baltimore. Rodriguez made a playoff start for the Orioles as a rookie in 2023, then posted a 3.86 ERA, 3.66 FIP, and 1.24 WHIP along with 130 strikeouts over 116 2/3 innings in 2024 prior to getting hurt.
With Rodriguez out, Suzuki said the Angels will open the season with Jack Kochanowicz and Ryan Johnson as their No. 4 and 5 starters, according to Jack Janes of the Sporting Tribune. Right-hander Walbert Urena also made the team as a long reliever.
What this all means for former All-Star Alek Manoah's status with the Halos is unclear. Manoah, who signed a guaranteed deal with the Halos after missing 2025 and was expected to win a rotation spot, struggled during spring training before dealing with a fingernail issue this week, per Bollinger. Manoah could either be placed on the IL because of the fingernail problem or sent to Triple-A, as he has two minor-league options remaining.
The Angels open their regular season Thursday in Houston.