Track Record:: After missing most of 2018 and 2019 because of back injuries and 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic, Rodriguez broke camp with the Angels in 2021 and worked his way into high-leverage relief by going 2-0 with a 2.30 ERA in his first eight appearances. But shoulder injuries derailed his season, and he underwent capsule repair surgery in October that will sideline him for most, if not all, of 2022.
Scouting Report: Rodriguez would do well to smooth out a delivery that is a little high-effort at times, but he showed last season that he has the stuff to pitch in the big leagues. His four-pitch mix features a sinking fastball that sits 94-96 mph with and late tailing action, a wipeout, 89-90 mph slider that induces plenty of swings and misses, a big overhand curveball in the mid 80s with more than four feet of vertical drop and a 88-90 mph changeup with screwball-like action. Rodriguez throws plenty of strikes with his premium arsenal, but he hasn't been able to stay on the mound. He has thrown more than 30 innings only once in four seasons, and that was in 2017.
The Future: Rodriguez has the stuff to succeed as a starter or reliever in the majors, but another major injury has clouded his future. He'll spend the year rehabbing and try to make it back healthy in 2023.
