Angels Prospect Ryan Johnson Earns Spot in Rotation

The 23-year-old right-hander impressed in spring training with improved command and a more effective changeup.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 6:06pm

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Ryan Johnson, a 23-year-old right-handed pitcher in the Angels' system, has earned a spot in the team's starting rotation after a strong spring training performance. Johnson struggled in his brief MLB debut last season, posting a 7.36 ERA out of the bullpen, but he has worked to improve his changeup and command of his pitches. The Angels are hopeful that Johnson's development will translate to success at the major league level as he takes the mound against the Cubs on Monday.

Why it matters

The Angels are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season and are counting on young pitchers like Johnson to help solidify their rotation. Johnson's ability to harness his stuff and get left-handed hitters out will be crucial, as the Cubs lineup features several lefty bats that could pose a challenge.

The details

After a rough MLB debut in 2025 where he posted a 7.36 ERA, Johnson spent time in the minors last season working on his changeup and command. This spring, he impressed the Angels' coaching staff by throwing his changeup more effectively and locating his two fastballs to all quadrants of the strike zone. Johnson struck out 23 and walked just 5 in 20.2 innings this spring, earning him a spot in the starting rotation to open the 2026 season.

  • Johnson will make his 2026 debut on Monday, April 3 against the Chicago Cubs.
  • Last season, Johnson was sent down to Class-A in May after struggling in his MLB debut out of the bullpen.

The players

Ryan Johnson

A 23-year-old right-handed pitcher in the Angels' system who is set to make his 2026 debut in the starting rotation after an impressive spring training.

Travis d'Arnaud

The Angels' starting catcher, who has praised Johnson's improved command and the development of his changeup this spring.

Kurt Suzuki

The Angels' manager, who said the team's pitching coach Mike Maddux has emphasized the importance of Johnson commanding both sides of the plate.

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What they’re saying

“Just the experience of going through last season and getting the confidence in who I am, understanding professional hitters more, how to work counts.”

— Ryan Johnson

“He's able to locate both of his heaters to all four quadrants. I think we saw a little taste of that last year. In spring training and in bullpens, he's got more command than I remember.”

— Travis d'Arnaud, Angels Catcher

“Mad Dog emphasized commanding both sides of the plate, keeping the hitters honest and not just leaning out and cutting the plate in half. That type of stuff is going to be a big help for him, because the stuff is there. It's just how now refining how we're going to attack each guy.”

— Kurt Suzuki, Angels Manager

What’s next

Johnson will make his 2026 debut on Monday, April 3 against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

The takeaway

The Angels are hoping that Ryan Johnson's improved command and changeup development will help him take the next step in his career and solidify their starting rotation after a disappointing 2025 season. His ability to neutralize left-handed hitters will be crucial against a Cubs lineup featuring several tough lefty bats.