Angels' Grayson Rodriguez Sidelined by Injury on Opening Day

The newly acquired pitcher will miss the start of the season due to a dead arm issue.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 11:49pm

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The Los Angeles Angels will have to wait to see their newly acquired starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez in action, as he will begin the 2026 season on the injured list due to a dead arm. The right-hander, who was traded from the Baltimore Orioles, has a history of injuries, including missing the entire 2025 season with lat and shoulder issues.

Why it matters

The Angels were hoping Rodriguez would help bolster their pitching staff, but his injury setback means they will have to rely on other options to fill the fourth and fifth spots in their rotation to start the season. Rodriguez's injury history raises concerns about his long-term durability and ability to be a consistent contributor for the Angels.

The details

Rodriguez, who has posted a 4.11 ERA and 259/78 K/BB ratio over 43 major league starts, was expected to raise the Angels' pitching ceiling. However, the right-hander will now begin the year on the IL as he battles through the dead arm issue. Jack Kochanowicz and Ryan Johnson will take the fourth and fifth rotation spots to start the season.

  • Rodriguez will begin the 2026 season on the injured list.

The players

Grayson Rodriguez

A right-handed pitcher who was acquired by the Los Angeles Angels in a trade with the Baltimore Orioles.

Jack Kochanowicz

A pitcher who will take one of the open rotation spots for the Angels to start the 2026 season.

Ryan Johnson

A pitcher who will take one of the open rotation spots for the Angels to start the 2026 season.

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What’s next

The Angels will closely monitor Rodriguez's recovery and hope to have him back on the mound as soon as possible. The team will need strong performances from Kochanowicz and Johnson to fill the rotation in Rodriguez's absence.

The takeaway

Grayson Rodriguez's injury history continues to be a concern, and the Angels will have to be cautious with his recovery process. The team's ability to weather this latest setback and find production from their other rotation options will be crucial early in the season.