Angels Make Grayson Rodriguez Announcement During Rays Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Segun Ajayi | Last updated Jun 14, 2026 9:21 PM ET

The Los Angeles Angels made an announcement on Grayson Rodriguez during Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays after the right-hander left the mound early with an injury issue. The Angels announced on X during the game that Rodriguez exited with low back tightness.

Rodriguez entered Sunday’s game having made five starts for the Angels since returning from the injured list earlier this year. He began the season on the shelf because of right shoulder inflammation and had worked to regain a regular spot in the rotation.

The issue started in the third inning after he hit Cedric Mullins with a 3-2 changeup to load the bases with one out. Following the pitch, he showed visible discomfort on the mound.

Manager Kurt Suzuki, pitching coach Mike Maddux, and trainer Eric Munson quickly came out to check on him, and Rodriguez left the game after a brief discussion. His final pitch was an 83.4 mph changeup that struck Mullins in the foot.

Grayson Rodriguez was removed from today's game with low back tightness
— Angels PR (@LAAngelsPR) June 14, 2026

Chase Silseth entered in relief and inherited a difficult situation with the bases loaded. Silseth immediately struck out Junior Caminero on three pitches and appeared close to escaping the inning.

However, Chandler Simpson followed with a two-run single that gave Tampa Bay the lead. Both runs were charged to Rodriguez. Rodriguez finished his outing with two runs allowed on three hits across 2.1 innings. He also walked two batters, hit one batter and struck out one.

Rodriguez has posted a 7.36 ERA through 25.2 innings this season. He has also recorded 24 strikeouts and issued 15 walks in six starts.

Before joining the Angels, Rodriguez missed all of the 2025 season. He underwent surgery last August to remove bone spurs from his right elbow. He also dealt with a right lat injury during the 2024 season and did not pitch in the major leagues after July 31, 2024.

Los Angeles Angels pitcher Grayson Rodriguez (21).© Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Sunday marked another setback as the Angels wait to learn whether the back issue will affect his next scheduled start. Rodriguez had been lined up to face the Athletics later this week, but his status now remains uncertain.

The timing creates another challenge for an Angels pitching staff that has already lost Jack Kochanowicz for the season following Tommy John surgery. If Rodriguez is unable to make his next start, the Angels could turn to several replacement options, with right-hander Caden Dana emerging as a leading candidate. Dana started for Triple-A Salt Lake on Sunday and remains on schedule for a potential major league call-up if needed.

The Angels could also turn to Sam Aldegheri. The club recently gave the young left-hander a spot start, and he performed well enough to earn another outing later this week. For now, the Angels will await further evaluation on Rodriguez before determining whether any changes to the rotation will be necessary.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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