The Los Angeles Angels just might have landed a high-upside ace in Grayson Rodriguez—if his health finally holds up. Recently acquired from the Baltimore Orioles, Rodriguez shared some much-needed good news: he’s “throwing and feeling good” only months after his August surgery to remove elbow bone spurs.
The procedure targeted an issue that’s bothered him for years. Angels fans and the front office can’t help but wonder if 2026 Spring Training will finally flip the script on his injury-riddled career.
Rodriguez’s Long Battle With Injuries
Grayson Rodriguez hasn’t had an easy path. The elbow pain stretches back three or four years, all the way to Double-A and Triple-A.
Instead of getting surgery early, he kept pushing through until the pain just got too much. He even thought about the operation during Spring Training but put it off.
Rodriguez has faced more than his share of setbacks. He missed the entire 2025 season with shoulder and lat injuries.
In 2024, he was sidelined again with more shoulder trouble. He thinks those stubborn bone spurs might’ve played a part in his repeated lat strains, forcing his muscles to work around the elbow’s limitations.
How the Elbow Surgery Could Change His Career Path
By finally getting rid of the bone spurs, Rodriguez might be addressing one of the main reasons behind his muscular injuries. If his recovery stays on track, the Angels could be getting a healthier version of the pitcher who flashed ace-level stuff as a rookie.
A Surprising Trade That Signals a New Era
The Angels landed Rodriguez in exchange for outfielder Taylor Ward, who’s now with Baltimore. This move did two things for Los Angeles: they got a potential rotation anchor and trimmed payroll at the same time.
- The Angels cleared Ward’s projected $13.7 million arbitration salary.
- Rodriguez is under team control through 2029, so if he bounces back, he’s a long-term, cost-effective solution.
Rodriguez’s Reaction to the Move
Rodriguez didn’t see the trade coming but sounded genuinely excited to join the Angels. A change of scenery could be exactly what he needs, and the timing lines up if his recovery doesn’t hit any snags.
Potential Impact on the Angels’ Rotation
If Rodriguez can stay healthy, he might become the ace the Angels have been missing. His rookie season ended strong and hinted at real potential.
Even in 2024, his stats showed better pitch efficiency, despite fighting through physical issues. Analysts are going to keep a close eye on two things:
- Fastball velocity: He lost a tick last year, but maybe the elbow surgery brings back his natural arm speed.
- Pitch mix: Tweaking his repertoire could help him stay consistent and take some stress off his arm.
Spring Training 2026: The Critical Test
Rodriguez’s next real test comes at 2026 Spring Training. It could be his first official mound appearance since July 2024.
Everyone will be watching to see if he can reclaim a frontline starter role or if his old injuries still haunt him.
Long-Term Implications for Both Rodriguez and the Angels
Trading for Rodriguez was a calculated risk. If he stays healthy, the Angels get a cost-controlled ace through 2029 and finally address a rotation that’s lacked stability.
Plus, freeing up Ward’s salary might let the team invest in other needed pieces. That’s the hope, anyway.
The Bottom Line
The Angels are betting big on Rodriguez’s resilience. They trust their medical team to keep him on the field.
He’s got years of untapped potential and a reconstructed elbow. With a new, supportive organization, he just might make a real impact.
If this surgery finally solves his lingering issues, Angels fans could see the pitcher scouts once called a future Cy Young contender. That’s a lot to hope for, but it’s not impossible.
Honestly, 2026 might be the year Grayson Rodriguez’s career—and the Angels’ rotation—takes a dramatic turn for the better. For now, everyone’s watching the radar gun, the breaking ball, and, maybe most of all, his health.
Here is the source article for this story: Grayson Rodriguez Says He’s Healthy
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