Angels News: Halos Righty Pitcher Suffers Setback, No Timetable of Return

A long injury history only grows longer.

There is nothing worse than seeing a boatload of potential in someone but injuries keeping them from reaching.

That has been the story go Chris Rodriguez's career with the Los Angeles Angels thus far. He has missed multiple seasons with the franchise due to horrible back pain that required surgery and shoulder tweaks that needed the same. The organization was hopeful that 2023 would be the year he could hit the field healthy but it appears the wait will be even longer.

This news was first shared by The Athletic's Sam Blum.

Chris Rodriguez had a setback in his ramp up, Phil Nevin said. He started experiencing shoulder soreness.

He’s still throwing bullpens and playing catch. But no longer throwing to live hitters. Not clear what the timeline is for his return.

— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) April 9, 2023

"Chris Rodriguez had a setback in his ramp up, Phil Nevin said. He started experiencing shoulder soreness."

"He’s still throwing bullpens and playing catch. But no longer throwing to live hitters. Not clear what the timeline is for his return."

(Via Sam Blum)

Shoulder soreness is a pretty bad sign considering all of the rehab Rodriguez has already undergone for it. He's told past stories of literally having to hurt himself on the first pitch he threw in a game just so he could numb it and finish out his innings.

Joining the Angels in 2016, Rodriguez looked to be one of their most successful pitching prospects. With a 2.30 ERA before joining the IL, everybody thought he was going to be something special.

Chris Rodriguez had a bullpen session this morning. pic.twitter.com/rlAn5KEuZg

— Sarah Valenzuela (@Sarah_IsabelVee) February 27, 2023

Los Angeles' front office is definitely just being careful because they've seen what's happened in the past with him and we all hope he's healthy enough to join the lineup soon.