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WHO:
Kurt Suzuki, manager of the Los Angeles Angels, stated, “We're going to be careful with him to a point.”
Grayson Rodriguez, right-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels
Kurt Suzuki, manager of the Los Angeles Angels
Taylor Ward, outfielder traded from the Angels to the Orioles
Jack Kochanowicz, right-handed pitcher for the Angels
Ryan Johnson, right-handed pitcher for the Angels
Walbert Urena, right-handed pitcher for the Angels
Ryan Zeferjahn, Chase Silseth, Sam Bachman, Brent Suter, Jordan Romano, Drew Pomeranz, Kirby Yates, bullpen pitchers for the Angels
WHAT:
Grayson Rodriguez has been dealing with dead arm since a Spring Training start on March 11th, 2026.
Rodriguez underwent surgery on his right elbow to remove bone spurs.
Jack Kochanowicz posted a 6.81 ERA in 23 starts last season.
Johnson has a 3.78 ERA in 16 2/3 innings this spring with 18 strikeouts and four walks.
Walbert Urena struck out 14 batters in 15 2/3 Cactus League innings.
Grayson Rodriguez will start the 2026 season on the injured list due to a dead arm.
Rodriguez has not pitched in an MLB game since July 2024.
Rodriguez had a 3.86 ERA in 20 starts before undergoing elbow surgery.
Jack Kochanowicz and Ryan Johnson will fill the final two spots in the Angels' rotation.
Kochanowicz posted a 1.98 ERA in 13 2/3 innings this spring.
Johnson has a 3.78 ERA in 16 2/3 innings this spring.
Urena will make the big league roster as the bullpen's long reliever.
WHERE:
Anaheim, California
WHEN:
Rodriguez's injury was reported on March 23rd, 2026.
Rodriguez's last MLB game was in July 2024.
Rodriguez's Spring Training start was on March 11th, 2026.
WHY:
The Angels are being cautious with Rodriguez due to his injury history and the need to manage his recovery, as emphasized by Suzuki.
The Angels are being cautious with Rodriguez due to his injury history and the need to manage his recovery.
HOW:
Rodriguez is still participating in baseball activities, including playing catch and doing strengthening exercises, according to Suzuki.
Rodriguez is still participating in baseball activities, including playing catch and doing strengthening exercises.
(UPDATED March 23, 2026 09:21 UTC)
In a cautious approach to managing Grayson Rodriguez's recovery from a dead arm issue that began during Spring Training on March 11, 2026, Angels manager Kurt Suzuki emphasized the importance of being careful with the young pitcher due to his injury history. Rodriguez recently underwent surgery to remove bone spurs from his right elbow but is still actively participating in baseball activities, including playing catch and doing strengthening exercises. Meanwhile, Jack Kochanowicz is looking to improve on his 6.81 ERA from last season, while Walbert Urena has been impressive this spring, striking out 14 batters in just over 15 innings.
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(UPDATED March 23, 2026 07:31 UTC)
In a significant update from Anaheim, California, the Los Angeles Angels have placed right-handed pitcher Grayson Rodriguez on the injured list to start the 2026 season due to a dead arm, marking his first absence from the mound since July 2024. As the team adjusts, Jack Kochanowicz and Ryan Johnson will take the final two spots in the rotation, with Kochanowicz impressing this spring with a 1.98 ERA in 13 and two-thirds innings. Meanwhile, Walbert Urena is set to join the big league roster as the bullpen's long reliever, while Rodriguez continues to participate in baseball activities as he manages his recovery.