Alek Manoah’s position with the Los Angeles Angels is increasingly uncertain as he has allowed 16 runs in just 15.1 innings during Spring Training. This comes at a critical time as fellow pitcher Grayson Rodriguez is dealing with a ‘dead arm’ and has not made a start in the majors since July 31, 2024.
Rodriguez’s struggles follow an elbow debridement surgery he underwent in August of last year, raising concerns about his readiness for the upcoming season. “It’s possible that the righthander could be an IL candidate to begin the season,” said Angels manager Kurt Suzuki, highlighting the potential impact on the team’s rotation.
The injury to Rodriguez creates two open jobs in the Angels’ rotation, putting additional pressure on Manoah, who was signed with the expectation of being the fifth starter. However, with his current performance, the Angels may need to reconsider their options.
Manoah’s difficulties have not gone unnoticed, and observers are questioning whether he can regain his past performance. “A dead arm is really common for pitchers in Spring Training,” noted an unnamed source, suggesting that there may still be hope for Manoah to turn things around.
As the Angels evaluate their pitching staff, they may consider adding an external arm if Rodriguez is unable to pitch. The team’s decision-making process will be crucial in determining how they navigate this challenging situation.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the extent of Rodriguez’s injury and whether Manoah can bounce back. The Angels are in a precarious position as they prepare for the season ahead, with key decisions looming on their pitching strategy.