Angels News: Pitcher Suffers Another Setback, Future in Baseball Unclear

Bad news for the oft-injured right-hander.

The baseball story of reliever Chris Rodriguez could be nearing an end. The Angels reliever hasn't pitched in an MLB game since 2021 after undergoing reconstructive surgery on his right shoulder. He was making some strides during spring training earlier this year before being shut down for months. 

He reemerged in September but after just three minor league appearances, he's been shut down again indefinitely after suffering another setback.

Chris Rodriguez is no longer throwing. He had another setback, Phil Nevin said.

Rodriguez pitched in a minor league game for the first time in more than 2 years earlier this month. Unclear what his path forward is now.

— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) September 29, 2023

Rodriguez was a fourth round draft pick by the Halos back in 2016. He made his major league debut in 2021, making 15 appearances (2 starts) for Joe Maddon's Angels and posting a 3.64 ERA over 29.2 innings. Shoulder inflammation derailed his promising debut season and led to capsule surgery in the offseason. 

He did not pitch during the 2022 season.

We hope this isn't the end of the line for the right-hander who's still just 25 years of age.