New Angels pitcher Grayson Rodriguez reveals interesting health update after Orioles trade

New Los Angeles Angels pitcher Grayson Rodriguez, acquired in a trade with the Baltimore Orioles, believes there’s a big reason why he’s ready to put his injury history behind him in Anaheim.

Just three days after turning 26, Rodriguez is now a member of the Angels in a one-for-one trade that sent outfielder Taylor Ward to Baltimore. He also hopes a new location will mean an end to the injuries that have limited him to 43 starts over the past three seasons. That includes zero starts and innings in 2025 due to an elbow problem in spring training, followed by a right lateral strain in April. More elbow problems arose for Rodriguez in July, before he underwent debridement surgery on his elbow in August, officially ending his season.

However, that surgery is key to his return to the mound in 2026, as is his ability to stay on it, according to Rodriguez.

Angels’ Grayson Rodriguez said bone spurs have been a problem for a long time

During a Zoom meeting with Angels reporters on Wednesday: Rodriguez said the removed bone spurs had been a problem for years.

“That was something that stuck with me for about three or four years,” Rodriguez said. “I’ve had them for a while and just got to the point where I couldn’t really get through them. I’m pretty sure that was the cause of some of the lat injuries.”

If so, it could unlock a pitcher who has recorded a 4.11 ERA in 238.2 innings over those 43 starts. He also recorded 9.8 strikeouts per nine innings while walking just 2.9.

Getting these kinds of numbers would be a big boost for an Angels rotation that ranked 28th out of 30 MLB teams in ERA last season at 4.91. It would also be a missed opportunity for an Orioles team that has stated it is looking for a new starter on the front line.

Rodriguez said Wednesday he would be ready for spring training, giving the Angels hope they have found a pitcher who can be a long-term answer for them on the mound. Rodriguez is not scheduled to be a free agent until the 2030 season.

If Rodriguez can stay healthy and produce in Anaheim, it would be a blow to an Orioles team looking to get back into the postseason conversation in 2026. However, time will tell if those marks are truly the answer to Rodriguez staying healthy and on the field.