Angels Pitcher Competing for Rotation Spot Has Dead Arm

This isn't ideal for his chances of securing a rotation spot.

The Los Angeles Angels don't have a set fifth starter, but they have several arms who are competing for a spot.

One of those arms is left-hander José Suarez, who has not pitched in spring training yet.

According to manager Ron Washington, "his arm was a little dead” after winter ball. Jeff Fletcher of the Southern California News Group reported Washington says Suarez still has time to get enough innings to be ready for Opening Day. 

Suarez is out of options, so he needs to make the Opening Day roster or risk being let go by the Halos.

Suarez seemed to establish himself in 2021 and 2022, appearing in 45 games for the Angels. He started 34 games across the two seasons and logged 207.1 innings while allowing 3.86 earned runs per nine innings.

Last year was a different story. Suarez allowed 26 earned runs in 24.1 innings to start the season. He landed on the injured list in early May due to a left shoulder strain and didn't return until mid-September. He ended the year with an ERA of 8.29.

Suarez faced competition in camp from Chase Silseth, Zach Plesac and others to land a rotation spot behind Reid Detmers, Griffin Canning, Tyler Anderson, and Patrick Sandoval.

If he's healthy to begin the season, an abbreviated ramp-up could force Suarez into a bullpen role. He's started 58 and relieved 19 games in his major league career.