Los Angeles Angels News

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José Soriano • SP • Angels

Jose Soriano Deserves Some Attention After Blanking Astros on Opening Day

Los Angeles Angels right-hander Jose Soriano got off on the right foot in 2026 in his Opening Day start on Thursday in the team's 3-0 shutout win over the Houston Astros. Soriano was in top form on the road at Daikin Park, tossing six shutout innings with only two hits allowed, four walks, and seven strikeouts to pick up his first win of the year. The 27-year-old has teased upside before, only to disappoint fantasy managers. Still, Soriano is worth a look as a waiver-wire pickup early this year for his ground-ball abilities and high-end velocity as starting pitching depth. The Dominican hurler had a 4.26 ERA and 1.39 WHIP in 31 starts a year ago and has a career .3.82 ERA (3.77 FIP), 1.31 WHIP, 22.3% strikeout rate, and 10.7% walk rate in four MLB seasons. Soriano will need to lower his walk rate to tap into his true ceiling. He faces a matchup against the Chicago Cubs in his second start of 2026 next week.

2 days ago

Jordan Romano • RP • Angels

Jordan Romano Could Be a Valuable Source of Saves Off the Waiver Wire

Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Jordan Romano looks to be his team's primary closer early in the 2026 season. The 32-year-old has recorded three strikeouts and a save without allowing a hit across his first two appearances, both of which came in the ninth inning. With Angels relievers Kirby Yates (knee) and Ben Joyce (shoulder) both currently on the injured list, Romano should have an extended run in the closer role in Los Angeles as long as he pitches reasonably well. The veteran right-hander recorded 95 saves across three seasons as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays from 2021 to 2023, but he's battled injuries and ineffectiveness over the past two seasons. While he may never get back to his peak form, Romano could be a bounce-back candidate with improved health in 2026. He profiles as a priority waiver-wire target in any fantasy league where he's not already rostered.

2 days ago

Jordan Romano • RP • Angels

Jordan Romano Emerging as Angels Closer, Pitches in Ninth Again

Los Angeles Angels right-handed reliever Jordan Romano is emerging as the team's primary closer with all of Kirby Yates (knee), Ben Joyce (shoulder), and Robert Stephenson (elbow) on the injured list to begin the 2026 season. Romano picked up his first save of the year in Thursday's 3-0 Opening Day win over the Houston Astros, and although it wasn't a save situation, he pitched in the ninth inning for a second straight day in Friday's 6-2 victory. He had a clean inning of work to finish off the victory, striking out two batters. Romano had a rough couple of seasons the last few years, but he topped out at 95.7 mph on Friday and is looking more like the version of himself that had 36 saves in back-to-back years with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2022 and 2023. Veteran left-hander Drew Pomeranz could also see some save chances for the Halos early in the year with the back end of the bullpen banged up, but for now, Romano is the arm to roster for fantasy managers in need of saves.

3 days ago

Mike Trout • CF • Angels

Mike Trout Picks Up Three Hits, Homers for Second Straight Game to Begin 2026

Los Angeles Angels future Hall of Fame outfielder Mike Trout was at it again in Game 2 of the regular season in Friday's 6-2 win on the road against the Houston Astros. Trout went 3-for-4 with a solo home run and a walk, and he's now 4-for-6 at the plate with two home runs, four walks, and a stolen base through the season's first two games. The 34-year-old has looked like vintage Mike Trout in the early going, but fantasy managers are probably cautiously optimistic after all the time he has missed in recent seasons due to injuries. The three-time MVP and 11-time All-Star has played over 100 games only twice in the last five seasons due to various injuries, which have also curbed his stolen-base numbers (14 steals since the start of 2021). Trout hit only .232 in 130 games in 2025, but he managed to club 26 home runs in 556 plate appearances. If he can stay healthy, Trout could end up being a steal for fantasy managers, especially if he runs more than he has in the last five years.

4 days ago

Grayson Rodriguez • SP • Angels

Grayson Rodriguez Playing Catch as he Works Through Dead Arm

Los Angeles Angels right-hander Grayson Rodriguez (arm) has been playing catch in Houston, according to MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger. Rodriguez was placed on the 15-day injured list going into his first regular season with the Angels with an official designation of right-shoulder inflammation, but the team is calling it a case of dead arm. The 26-year-old's injury isn't considered serious, so barring a setback, he could make his Angels debut in 2026 before the end of April. Until he's able to rejoin the Angels' starting rotation, Ryan Johnson will fill in. Rodriguez came up through the Baltimore Orioles' system as one of the top pitching prospects in baseball before making his MLB debut in 2023. He didn't pitch at all in 2025 in his final season in Baltimore due to elbow and lat issues, but he had a 4.11 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 259:78 K:BB in 43 starts (238 2/3 innings pitched) his first two years in the Show. Rodriguez is worth stashing in mixed leagues because of the upside still in his arm, but durability has become a major question mark.

4 days ago

Kirby Yates • RP • Angels

Kirby Yates to Throw a Bullpen "Sooner Than Later"

Los Angeles Angels right-handed reliever Kirby Yates (knee) continues to play catch and said he will throw a bullpen session "sooner than later," according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com. Yates landed on the 15-day injured list to begin the 2026 season due to left-knee inflammation, but the 39-year-old veteran might not miss a ton of time early on. With Ben Joyce (shoulder) and Robert Stephenson (elbow) also on the shelf, right-hander Jordan Romano picked up his first save of the year in Thursday's 3-0 win over the Houston Astros on Opening Day. Veteran left-hander Drew Pomeranz could also be in the mix for save opportunities with Yates, Joyce, and Stephenson out. Yates will probably be the first of the trio of injured relievers to return to the Halos, and when he does, it's anyone's guess as to how first-year manager Kurt Suzuki will divvy up save situations. Given the current climate of the Angels' bullpen, Romano deserves a waiver-wire pickup if he's available and you're scrounging for saves already.

4 days ago

José Soriano • SP • Angels

Jose Soriano a Top Pickup After Excellent Start

Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Jose Soriano was tough to hit during Thursday's Opening Day nod against the Houston Astros. Soriano threw six scoreless innings, allowing two hits, four walks, and striking out seven batters in the win. It was an impressive outing for Soriano, who allowed one hit through his first five innings of work. The lack of command is a concern going forward, but Soriano was able to work around the damage on Thursday. He did get 19 swings and misses on Thursday, which registered an elite CSW of 36 percent. The upside makes Soriano worth a look as a waiver wire pickup. His next outing will come on Tuesday versus the Chicago Cubs.

5 days ago

Mike Trout • CF • Angels

Mike Trout Homers, Steals a Bag in Opening Day Win Over Houston

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout looked like his old self in the team's 3-0 shutout win over the division-rival Houston Astros on Thursday on Opening Day. Trout led the way offensively for the Halos on a day where runs were at a premium, going 1-for-2 with a solo home run, three walks, and a strikeout. The 34-year-old 11-time All-Star and three-time MVP hit his home run off reliever AJ Blubaugh in the seventh inning to give his team a 1-0 lead at the time. Trout obviously has the skills to be a fantasy contributor across all categories, but he's also become much more of a risk as he enters his mid-30s due to injuries. He has played in under 100 games in three of the last five seasons. Trout hit 26 home runs and drove in 64 runs in 130 games in 2025, although he stole just two bases. It is very encouraging to see Trout steal a bag in the season opener. If he keeps it up and stays healthy, he'll be a major draft-day steal.

5 days ago

Jordan Romano • RP • Angels

Jordan Romano Notches First Save With Angels

Los Angeles Angels right-handed reliever Jordan Romano slammed the door shut on the Houston Astros in the 3-0 Opening Day win on Thursday at Daikin Park to earn his first save of the season. Romano allowed a walk and struck out one in his inning of work to complete the shutout for starter Jose Soriano, who earned his first win of 2026. All of Ben Joyce (shoulder), Robert Stephenson (elbow), and Kirby Yates (knee) are on the injured list to begin the year, so the 32-year-old Romano is the Angels reliever most likely to see the most save opportunities early on. Veteran left-hander Drew Pomeranz could also get a look from first-year manager Kurt Suzuki. If Romano is on your league's waiver wire and you could use a short-term saves option, Romano could be your guy. The Canadian hurler has had his share of struggles the last two years, but there's something to be said for his 114 career saves as he starts his eighth year in the majors.

5 days ago

Oswald Peraza • 3B • Angels

Oswald Peraza Starting at Second Base on Opening Day

Los Angeles Angels infielder Oswald Peraza is getting the start at second base and will bat ninth for the Halos on Opening Day on Thursday on the road against the division-rival Houston Astros and right-hander Hunter Brown at Daikin Park, per MLB.com. The left-handed-hitting Adam Frazier will start on the bench for Game 1 despite a right-hander being on the mound. The 25-year-old Peraza is coming into the start of the regular season hot after batting .315 (17-for-54) with an .888 OPS, two home runs, 10 RBI, six doubles, six runs scored, and six stolen bases in 18 Cactus League games. The former Yankees top prospect has also hit .750 with a home run and two RBI in four career at-bats against Brown, which might be why he's getting the starting nod on Thursday over Frazier. Speed is Peraza's biggest asset for fantasy managers in AL-only leagues, but he'll need to keep up his strong play from spring training to hold off Frazier against right-handed pitchers.

5 days ago

Jordan Romano • RP • Angels

Is Jordan Romano the Angels' Primary Closer to Open 2026?

Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Jordan Romano was a high-end closer for the Toronto Blue Jays from 2021 through 2023, recording 95 saves while recording 230 strikeouts across 186 innings. However, the 32-year-old missed most of 2024 due to elbow surgery and struggled mightily upon his return to the mound as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies in 2025. Across 42 2/3 innings for the Phillies, Romano recorded an 8.23 ERA and 1.45 WHIP with 47 strikeouts and eight saves. Despite his recent issues, Romano could be the favorite to open the 2026 season as the Angels' primary closer with fellow Halos relievers Kirby Yates (knee) and Ben Joyce (shoulder) both set to start the year on the 15-day injured list. Romano pitched well in Cactus League action, allowing five hits and zero walks while striking out six across six innings of work. He'll need to prove he can be effective to hold the closer role, but Romano could be a solid source of early-season saves for fantasy managers in 2026.

6 days ago

Ben Joyce • RP • Angels

Ben Joyce Placed on 15-Day Injured List to Open 2026

Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Ben Joyce (shoulder) has been placed on the 15-day injured list to open 2026, per Jack Janes of The Sporting Tribune. Joyce is working his way back from the surgery he underwent in May 2025 to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. The 25-year-old fireballer struggled in a very limited sample size before getting injured last season, pitching to a 6.23 ERA in 4 1/3 innings. However, Joyce showed flashes of dominance in 2024, averaging over 102 mph on his fastball and pitching to a 2.08 ERA with four saves across 32 1/3 innings. When healthy, Joyce may be the favorite to work as the Angels' primary closer. With both Joyce and veteran right-hander Kirby Yates (knee) sidelined to start the year, Jordan Romano could get the first chance at regular save opportunities for Los Angeles in 2026.

6 days ago

Grayson Rodriguez • SP • Angels

Grayson Rodriguez Officially Placed on 15-Day Injured List

Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez (arm) has officially been placed on the 15-day injured list to open 2026, per Jack Janes of The Sporting Tribune. Rodriguez is battling dead arm, so the hope is that he will be able to return to the mound sooner rather than later. Still, the 26-year-old's extensive injury history makes him difficult to trust for fantasy managers. Rodriguez missed the entire 2025 season after undergoing elbow surgery to remove bone spurs. Before this most recent ailment, Rodriguez recorded a 4.97 ERA and 1.42 WHIP with 12 strikeouts across 12 2/3 Cactus League innings for the Angels. Command was a major issue in the spring, as he issued 10 walks. Rodriguez has fantasy appeal if he can get back to the level he showed in 2024 while pitching for the Baltimore Orioles, when he recorded a 26.5% strikeout rate across 116 2/3 innings. However, he will need to prove he can stay healthy for an extended stretch.

6 days ago

Kirby Yates • RP • Angels

Angels Place Kirby Yates on 15-Day Injured List

The Los Angeles Angels placed right-handed reliever Kirby Yates (knee) on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday with left-knee inflammation, retroactive to March 22, according to the team. In addition to Yates, the Angels also placed right-handed reliever Ben Joyce (shoulder) on the 15-day IL and right-hander Robert Stephenson (elbow) on the 60-day IL, leaving the back end of their bullpen very thin for the start of the 2026 regular season on Thursday against the division-rival Houston Astros. The Angels are hoping that Yates will be able to return when eligible on April 6, but in the meantime, expect the Halos to mix and match in the ninth inning with Jordan Romano and Drew Pomeranz. It's probably a situation to avoid for fantasy managers, unless you're desperate for saves in deeper leagues. When Yates returns, he could be the team's preferred saves option until Joyce can make his 2026 season debut. Romano might be the slight favorite over Pomeranz, with 133 career saves, and the fact that he looked much sharper in spring training.

7 days ago

Alek Manoah • SP • Angels

Alek Manoah Placed on the 15-Day Injured List

The Los Angeles Angels have placed starting pitcher Alek Manoah (finger) on the 15-day injured list due to a fingernail issue, per Jack Janes of The Sporting Tribune. Had he been healthy, Manoah may have broken camp as a member of the Angels' Opening Day starting rotation, particularly with fellow Angels starter Grayson Rodriguez (arm) also opening the year on the injured list. The 28-year-old Manoah is attempting to resurrect his career in Los Angeles after being waived by the Toronto Blue Jays last September. Manoah finished third in the American League Cy Young vote while pitching for Toronto in 2022, but has battled injuries and ineffectiveness ever since. He opened the 2025 season rehabbing an elbow injury and never made it to the big leagues, finishing the year with a 3.96 ERA and 1.53 WHIP across 38 2/3 minor league innings (10 starts). Manoah struggled mightily in Cactus League action for the Angels before getting injured, allowing 14 walks and five home runs across 15 1/3 innings pitched. Manoah will need to show a sustained run of both health and production before he's worthy of fantasy consideration in the majority of league formats.

7 days ago

Vaughn Grissom • 2B • Angels

Vaughn Grissom Placed on the 10-Day Injured List to Open 2026

The Los Angeles Angels have placed second baseman Vaughn Grissom (hand) on the 10-day Injured List to open 2026, per Jack Janes of The Sporting Tribune. Janes reports that Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said Grissom is "progressing well" from the hand injury he suffered in a Cactus League game in mid-March. Grissom spent all of the 2025 season in the minor leagues, hitting .270/.342/.441 with 13 home runs, 48 RBI, 69 runs scored, and nine stolen bases across 418 Triple-A plate appearances as a member of the Boston Red Sox organization. If healthy, Grissom might have had a chance to challenge veteran journeyman Adam Frazier for the starting second base job with the Halos. Upon his return, Grissom will likely be battling Frazier and utility infielder Oswald Peraza for a spot on the Angels' active roster. However, Grissom should remain off the radar of fantasy managers for the time being.

7 days ago

Kirby Yates • RP • Angels

Kirby Yates to Begin Season as Primary Closer for Angels?

When asked who might be the Los Angeles Angels' primary closer this year, The Orange County Register's Jeff Fletcher said, "probably" right-hander Kirby Yates. Drew Pomeranz and Jordan Romano are other options for saves in Anaheim to begin the 2026 season, but Yates feels like the favorite going into this week, with both Ben Joyce (shoulder) and Robert Stephenson (shoulder) sidelined by injuries. The 38-year-old veteran had a rough season with the Los Angeles Dodgers last year, posting a 5.23 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in 41 1/3 innings, but he had 33 saves as a second-time All-Star in 2024 as a member of the Texas Rangers. Yates also led the league with a career-high 41 saves back in 2019 with the San Diego Padres. Yates' fantasy appeal is rising for managers that need help with saves, but he will be on a short leash with the Angels in the closer's role, and he could quickly shift to a late-inning setup role once Joyce and Stephenson get healthy.

Mar 23

Grayson Rodriguez • SP • Angels

Grayson Rodriguez to Open Season on Injured List

Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez (arm) is going to open the season on the 15-day Injured List. Rodriguez is reportedly dealing with general soreness that will keep him sidelined to start the year. He's basically dealing with dead arm that will hopefully only keep him sidelined for the minimum of 15 days. Jack Kochanowicz and Ryan Johnson have been named the final two starters with Rodriguez out. Rodriguez hasn't pitched in the big leagues since 2024, with him missing all of last season due to elbow issues. When healthy, Rodriguez has posted good numbers, but the arm issues make him difficult to trust as a long-term fantasy option.

Mar 22

Mike Trout • CF • Angels

Mike Trout Returns on Sunday

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout (hand) was back in the starting lineup for Sunday's Freeway Series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Trout was removed from Friday's Cactus League contest after getting hit by a pitch on his hand. He was immediately taken out of the game and underwent precautionary X-rays, which came back negative. The Angels gave Trout a day off to rest before he returned to the lineup on Sunday. Fantasy managers shouldn't be worried about this injury impacting his status for Opening Day. The three-time MVP slashed .232/.359/.439 with 26 home runs and 64 RBI in 128 games last season. His ADP is around 167, which seems fair given Trout has only played over 100 games twice since 2021.

Mar 22

George Klassen • SP • Angels

Angels Reassign George Klassen to Minor-League Camp

The Los Angeles Angels announced on Friday that they optioned right-handed pitching prospect George Klassen to minor-league camp. Klassen, the team's No. 5 prospect per MLB Pipeline, allowed five earned runs on nine hits (three homers) while walking five and striking out 10 in 11 2/3 innings over his four Cactus League appearances. At Double-A Rocket City and Triple-A Salt Lake in 2025, Klassen had a 5.22 ERA and 1.46 WHIP with 134 strikeouts and 47 walks in 108 2/3 innings over 25 starts. The 24-year-old right-hander has some intriguing stuff with a dominant fastball and a couple of nasty breaking pitches, but the Angels want to see him have some more success on the farm before they bring him up to the big-league starting rotation. It was encouraging to see Klassen cut his walk rate last year as well. He's a power pitcher with a heater that reaches triple digits. Klassen should make his major-league debut in 2026, but for now, he's a high-upside pitching stash in AL-only and keeper leagues.

Mar 20

Los Angeles Angels News

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