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Angels’ Grayson Rodriguez confident he’s not seriously hurt

March 20, 2026

TEMPE, Ariz. — The news of the Angels slowing down Grayson Rodriguez because of soreness was greeted with cynicism around baseball because Rodriguez has been through so many serious injuries.

Which is exactly why Rodriguez isn’t as panicked as everyone else.

“I’ve had some serious issues in the past,” Rodriguez said. “This one’s not serious.”

The right-hander played light catch again Friday morning, and he could throw a bullpen session Saturday if he’s feeling better. It’s still possible – perhaps likely – that Rodriguez will start the season on the injured list, even though he’s not concerned that this is a serious injury.

Rodriguez said he started to feel some general soreness after his last start March 13, so the Angels slowed him down, but didn’t stop him. Rodriguez was perfectly fine with that approach.

“Obviously in the past, I had some issues and, there was kind of a phase where I pushed through it in the past and it came back to bite me in the butt,” Rodriguez said. “We don’t want that to happen right now. Like I said, just making sure that we’re continuing on a path to be able to throw a lot of innings this year. Taking some time off right now might be the best thing for that.”

Manager Kurt Suzuki said he’s optimistic because Rodriguez is.

“I think him not being concerned is a good thing because he is obviously the one that … we haven’t been around him when he’s dealt with it, and he’s dealt with it a couple times,” Suzuki said. “I think having him not be concerned makes us feel a little bit better about it. Obviously we’d want him healthy, but at the same time if he’s not concerned and he has to delay it a couple days, that’s OK with us too.”

Suzuki also provided some clarity on who might fill the final two rotation spots, with Rodriguez likely out.

He said that right-handers Ryan Johnson and Jack Kochanowicz will make the team, although it’s still possible that one of them begins the season as the long man in the bullpen.

The Angels also took some of the pitching names off the list by sending right-handers George Klassen, Nick Sandlin and Shaun Anderson and left-hander Mitch Farris to minor-league camp.

Right-now Alek Manoah remains, but there is now a possibility he will start the season on the injured list because of a fingernail issue. Manoah showed reporters his fingernail, which has come almost entirely off, after he pitched Tuesday. That’s why trainer Mike Frostad came to check on him toward the end of his outing.

Manoah said “it’s been falling off for a few months. That one changeup kind of clipped it and it’s hanging.”

“Obviously in the short term, it’s a concern,” Suzuki said. “In the long term, I think he’ll be fine. I can’t imagine throwing with something like that.”

One of the other pitchers who is notably remaining on the roster is right-hander Walbert Ureña, who pitched the final four innings of Thursday night’s game.

Ureña has a 4.60 ERA in 15⅔ innings, with 14 strikeouts and five walks. He has flashed exceptional stuff, regularly hitting 100 mph, and the ability to take down large chunks of a game. The Angels could consider him either as a starter or a long reliever.

He’s already on the 40-man roster, but the 22-year-old has pitched just one inning above Double-A.

“He’s right there, too,” Suzuki said. “He’s pitching really well.”

As for the two certainties, Johnson and Kochanowicz, Suzuki said he was impressed with how they pitched this spring. Johnson, 23, had a 3.78 ERA in 16⅔ innings, with 18 strikeouts and four walks. Kochanowicz, 25, has a 1.98 ERA in 13⅔ innings, with 11 strikeouts and four walks.

“I love what both of them have done,” Suzuki said. “I think both of them have earned it. They’re both on the team. In what capacity, we’re still evaluating that.”

Suzuki said Klassen will start Sunday against the Dodgers and Reid Detmers will start Monday, which will line him up to start the third game of the regular season in Houston. José Soriano and Yusei Kikuchi will start the first two.

NOTES

Utilityman Chris Taylor was informed that he won’t be making the club. Taylor then reportedly exercised the opt-out in his deal. …

Infielder Vaughn Grissom said his left wrist is feeling much better, but he’s been sick. Grissom has not played in more than a week, so he’s likely to start the season on the injured list. …

The Angels sent first baseman Trey Mancini, catcher Sebastian Rivero and infielders Yolmer Sanchez and Donovan Walton to minor-league camp. …

Those moves all clear the way for non-roster invitees Adam Frazier and Jeimer Candelario and outfielder Bryce Teodosio to make the team. …

Outfielder Josh Lowe was in the lineup in left field for Friday’s game, the first time he’d played outfield in a major league spring training game since he hurt his oblique more than three weeks ago. He has been hitting, including a homer and a triple as the DH in a big-league game Wednesday.

Orange County Register

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Angels’ Grayson Rodriguez confident he’s not seriously hurt

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