Trending Now - Injury Concerns: Key Pitchers Start Season on Injured List
WHO:
Grayson Rodriguez, right-hander for the Los Angeles Angels
Kurt Suzuki, manager of the Los Angeles Angels
Jack Kochanowicz, right-hander prospect for the Angels
Ryan Johnson, No. 2 prospect for the Angels
Dylan Jordan, Angels’ No. 11 prospect
Nate Snead, Angels’ No. 20 prospect
Chris Cortez, Angels’ No. 13 prospect
Najer Victor, right-hander for the Angels
Bennett Sousa, left-handed pitcher for the Houston Astros
Joe Espada, manager of the Houston Astros
Josh Hader, All-Star closer for the Houston Astros
Bryan Abreu, pitcher for the Houston Astros
Bryan King, pitcher for the Houston Astros
Enyel De Los Santos, pitcher for the Houston Astros
Steven Okert, pitcher for the Houston Astros
Ryan Weiss, pitcher for the Houston Astros
Kai-Wei Teng, pitcher for the Houston Astros
AJ Blubaugh, pitcher competing for a spot in the bullpen
Roddery Muñoz, Rule 5 Draft pick competing for a spot in the bullpen
Christian Roa, non-roster pitcher competing for a spot in the bullpen
Peter Lambert, non-roster pitcher with Major League experience
Spencer Arrighetti, pitcher competing for a spot in the rotation
Xavier Neyens, Astros’ No. 2-ranked prospect
Juan Sierra, 20-year-old Dominican prospect
Caden Powell, No. 27 prospect for the Astros
Nick Monistere, third baseman drafted in 2025
Wladimir Sutil, Astros’ Triple-A development coach
Brian McTaggart, supervising club reporter for MLB.com
WHAT:
Grayson Rodriguez felt soreness in his pitching arm after his start against the Guardians on March 17th, 2026, which may jeopardize his availability for the start of the season.
Rodriguez has a 4.97 ERA with 12 strikeouts and 10 walks in 12 2/3 innings this spring.
Dylan Jordan threw two scoreless innings with four strikeouts against Guardians prospects on March 19th, 2026, reaching a fastball velocity of 97.7 mph.
Nate Snead's fastball reached as high as 100.5 mph during his two scoreless innings in Major League camp.
Chris Cortez's fastball touched 98.9 mph during his one inning of work.
Bennett Sousa will begin the 2026 season on the injured list due to a strained left oblique.
Sousa sustained the injury during a Grapefruit League game against the Washington Nationals on March 16th, 2026.
Sousa had a 2.84 ERA in 2025, appearing in 44 games and striking out 59 batters.
Sousa was previously placed on the injured list on August 20th, 2025, due to left elbow inflammation.
Josh Hader will also begin the season on the 15-day injured list due to biceps tendinitis.
The Astros' bullpen will include Bryan Abreu, Bryan King, Enyel De Los Santos, and Steven Okert.
De Los Santos was signed for $1.6 million in November 2025.
The Astros' prospects rallied to win a Spring Breakout game against the Marlins' prospects with a score of 7-6.
The winning run was scored by Juan Sierra, who slid home to avoid a tag.
The Astros drew 18 walks in the Spring Breakout game.
WHERE:
West Palm Beach, Florida
CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches
WHEN:
Rodriguez's soreness was noted after his start on March 17th, 2026.
Jordan's performance occurred on March 19th, 2026.
Sousa's injury occurred on March 16th, 2026.
The Astros' season opener is scheduled for March 26th, 2026.
The Spring Breakout game took place on March 19th, 2026.
WHY:
The Angels are being cautious with Rodriguez due to his previous injury concerns, including a lat strain in 2024 and bone spur issues last year.
Sousa's injury will prevent him from throwing until the pain subsides, as stated by manager Joe Espada.
HOW:
Rodriguez was backed up a couple of days for further evaluation after experiencing soreness.
Sousa was sent back to Houston for further testing after his injury.
The Astros' prospects executed a comeback in the Spring Breakout game, scoring runs in the seventh, eighth, and ninth innings.
(UPDATED March 20, 2026 11:09 UTC)
In a concerning development for the Los Angeles Angels, Grayson Rodriguez felt soreness in his pitching arm following his start against the Guardians on March 17, which may impact his availability for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, Dylan Jordan showcased his skills with two scoreless innings and four strikeouts against Guardians prospects on March 19, reaching a fastball velocity of 97.7 mph, while Nate Snead impressed with a fastball hitting 100.5 mph during his own two scoreless innings in Major League camp. The Angels are exercising caution with Rodriguez, who has a history of injuries, and he will undergo further evaluation after experiencing this latest discomfort.
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(UPDATED March 20, 2026 09:11 UTC)
In a tough start to the season, Bennett Sousa, a left-handed pitcher for the Houston Astros, will begin on the injured list due to a strained left oblique he sustained during a Grapefruit League game against the Washington Nationals last Monday. Additionally, All-Star closer Josh Hader will also start the season on the 15-day injured list with biceps tendinitis, leaving the bullpen to include Bryan Abreu, Bryan King, Enyel De Los Santos, and Steven Okert. On a brighter note, the Astros' prospects rallied to win a Spring Breakout game against the Marlins' prospects with a score of 7 to 6, highlighted by Juan Sierra scoring the winning run after a daring slide home.