Angels Rotation Candidates Make Progress on Injured List

Several pitchers, including Ryan Johnson, Grayson Rodriguez, and Alek Manoah, are nearing returns to the mound for the Angels.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 7:36pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's windup and delivery broken down into overlapping planes of color, conveying the progress and potential return of injured Angels pitchers.The Angels' injured pitchers are making progress, providing hope for a rotation boost in the coming weeks.Anaheim Today

The Los Angeles Angels are seeing positive signs from several pitchers on the injured list who are working their way back to the rotation. Right-handers Ryan Johnson, Grayson Rodriguez, and Alek Manoah have all made progress in their recoveries and are nearing returns to face live hitters. Additionally, Caden Dana made an encouraging season debut at Triple-A. The Angels have several other healthy pitching options at the minor league level as they look to solidify their starting rotation.

Why it matters

The Angels have dealt with numerous injuries to their starting rotation early in the season, so the progress of these pitchers is crucial for the team to have more options and depth as they look to compete in the AL West. Getting these injured starters back could provide a boost to the Angels' playoff hopes.

The details

Right-hander Ryan Johnson, who was in the No. 5 spot in the rotation to start the season, is planning to throw a bullpen session soon after dealing with a viral infection and a hamstring issue. Grayson Rodriguez, who was projected to be in the rotation before shoulder inflammation slowed him down, has thrown three bullpens in the last week and a half and is nearing facing live hitters. Alek Manoah, who has a finger contusion, has been facing hitters in Arizona and is progressing well. Additionally, Caden Dana made his season debut at Triple-A, pitching six innings and allowing two runs with seven strikeouts and no walks.

  • Ryan Johnson is planning to throw a bullpen session soon.
  • Grayson Rodriguez is expected to face hitters within the next week.
  • Alek Manoah has been facing hitters in Arizona.

The players

Ryan Johnson

A right-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels who was in the No. 5 spot in the rotation to start the season before dealing with a viral infection and a hamstring issue.

Grayson Rodriguez

A right-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels who was projected to be in the rotation before being slowed down by shoulder inflammation.

Alek Manoah

A right-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels who has a finger contusion but has been facing hitters in Arizona.

Caden Dana

A right-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels who made his season debut at Triple-A, pitching six innings and allowing two runs with seven strikeouts and no walks.

Kurt Suzuki

The Angels' catcher who provided updates on the progress of the injured pitchers.

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What they’re saying

“'He's planning on throwing a bullpen here soon.'”

— Kurt Suzuki, Angels Catcher

“'The guys working with him say he's been looking great. I know the finger's feeling better, which is good.'”

— Kurt Suzuki, Angels Catcher

“'He's chomping at the bit. I'm texting him and he's texting, 'I'm ready to go, man. I can't wait.' It's OK, settle down. It's good to hear him excited, positive with how he's feeling and all that stuff, so we're excited.'”

— Kurt Suzuki, Angels Catcher

What’s next

The Angels will continue to monitor the progress of their injured pitchers and determine when they will be ready to rejoin the major league roster and compete for spots in the starting rotation.

The takeaway

The return of these injured pitchers could provide a much-needed boost to the Angels' starting rotation and their playoff aspirations. The team's ability to get healthy and develop depth in the rotation will be crucial as they look to compete in the AL West.