Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez faced batters for the first time since spring training ahead of Monday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays.Rodriguez threw around 30 pitches in the outing, simulating two innings.“It’s a big step,” Rodriguez said. “Obviously, when you’re out an extended period of time not seeing hitters, it’s disappointing. But finally getting hitters back in the box and getting that adrenaline going feels really nice.”Feb 24, 2026; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Angels pitcher Grayson Rodriguez (21) on the mound to pitch in the first inning inning against the San Francisco Giants during a spring training game at Tempe Diablo Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn ImagesThe Angels traded for Rodriguez in the offseason, sending outfielder Taylor Ward to the Baltimore Orioles following his 36-homer season.Rodriguez last pitched in MLB for the Orioles back in 2024, making 20 starts and posting a 3.86 ERA. He threw 116.2 innings and struck out 130 batters during that stretch.The Angels’ rotation could definitely use some help, though they haven’t been terrible to start 2026. Their rotation consists of Jose Soriano, Reid Detmers, Jack Kochanowicz and Yusei Kikuchi, with the fifth slot being rotation around.Rodriguez would bring some stability to the rotation, and can hopefully continue trending upwards as he did during his first two seasons in the bigs.The Angels will continue on with their unorthodox rotation until then, and will hope to close the gap as the season progresses.
They’re off to a solid start—sitting just 1.5 games behind the first-place Athletics—and can potentially pull themselves closer by avoiding a series loss to the Blue Jays on Tuesday.Their second game of the three-game set comes at 6:38 p.m. PT.