Angels’ Grayson Rodriguez makes return to MLB after 655-day injury absence

Before the 2026 season began, the Los Angeles Angels traded Taylor Ward to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for Grayson Rodriguez. On Sunday, the Angels finally get to see him in action.

Shoulder inflammation in spring training delayed Rodriguez’s Los Angeles debut. But now past his injury, Rodriguez will be on an MLB mound for the first time in 655 days, via Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register.

Rodriguez has been no stranger to injuries throughout his MLB career. His season ended early in 2024 due to a lat injury and missed the entire 2025 season with shoulder and elbow soreness, alongside reoccurring lat pain. He ultimately underwent season-ending surgery.

Still, the Angels decided it was worth taking a gamble on Rodriguez’s potential. A former top prospect, he was once considered a potential future staple of the Orioles’ pitching rotation. Furthermore, before being shut down in 2024, Rodriguez held a 3.86 ERA and a 130/36 K/BB ratio over his 20 starts.

The Angels have been in desperate need of pitching talent. With Rodriguez being only 24-years-old, Los Angeles decided it was worth the risk. Especially with Ward set to be a free agent after the season.

But Rodriguez must now prove he is up for the challenge. The first order of business is simply staying healthy. Even if he gets out of the gates out, a Rodriguez rise wouldn’t be believable until he is able to perform consistently and healthy.

If the right-hander can find his footing, the Angels could’ve potentially landed a steal. But Rodriguez still has plenty of questions to answer after 655 days.

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