Angels Activate Infielder Vaughn Grissom

Former top prospect returns from wrist injury, Jeimer Candelario designated for assignment

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:24pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball player in motion, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette, conveying the energy and dynamism of the sport.Grissom's return from injury provides a versatile boost to the Angels' infield depth as they face a challenging stretch of left-handed pitching.Rancho Cucamonga Today

The Los Angeles Angels have activated infielder Vaughn Grissom, who missed the first two weeks of the season due to a wrist injury suffered in spring training. Grissom, a former top prospect, was activated on Saturday after a nine-game rehab assignment in the minors. To make room on the roster, the Angels designated Jeimer Candelario for assignment.

Why it matters

Grissom's activation provides a boost to the Angels' infield depth, as he can play multiple positions including second base, third base, and first base. The 25-year-old is seen as a key part of the Angels' future, and his return from injury is an important development for the team as they look to contend in the AL West.

The details

Grissom hit .343 with a .761 OPS in nine games during his Triple-A rehab assignment, striking out in only 19% of his plate appearances. Angels manager Kurt Suzuki praised Grissom's versatility and contact-oriented approach at the plate. To make room for Grissom, the Angels designated Jeimer Candelario for assignment after he struggled to start the season, recording just two hits in his first 18 at-bats.

  • Grissom missed the first two weeks of the season due to a wrist injury suffered in spring training.
  • After a nine-game rehab assignment, Grissom was activated by the Angels on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

The players

Vaughn Grissom

A 25-year-old infielder who was a top prospect in the Angels' farm system. Grissom can play multiple infield positions and is seen as an important part of the Angels' future.

Jeimer Candelario

A veteran infielder who was designated for assignment by the Angels after struggling to start the 2026 season, recording just two hits in his first 18 at-bats.

Kurt Suzuki

The manager of the Los Angeles Angels, who praised Grissom's versatility and contact-oriented approach at the plate.

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What they’re saying

“It's a nice fresh start. Happy to go out there and try to help a new club win.”

— Vaughn Grissom

“We like his versatility. Obviously he can play all over the field. His at-bats, his approach, he makes a lot of contact, so that type of stuff is nice. He can move the ball around. He's got some power. We're excited. We're definitely excited to finally get him back off rehab and now he's feeling good and ready to go.”

— Kurt Suzuki, Angels Manager

What’s next

The Angels will look for Grissom to provide a boost to their infield depth as they face a stretch of games against left-handed starting pitchers in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Grissom's activation from the injured list is an important development for the Angels, who are counting on the versatile infielder to be a key part of their future. His ability to make consistent contact and play multiple positions will be valuable assets as the Angels navigate a challenging part of their schedule.