Los Angeles Angels’ Shockingly Long Injured List Update

There was some concern about the Los Angeles Angels both during spring training and at the start of the season. The reason is their disturbingly long injured list. This list included players such as Anthony Rendon, Robert Stephenson, and Alek Manoah, to name a few.

But lately, things are starting to look up for some of these players. But don’t get your hopes up. Many of these players still have a long way to go. Some progress doesn’t erase the setbacks. They’re still managing behind the scenes. The Angels know they can’t count on real momentum until these guys prove they’re fully past the lingering issues.

Angels Injury Woes

During the Angels’ spring training back in March, second baseman Vaughn Grissom felt his left hand getting sore after a swing. He had to exit the game because of that. About a week later, Grissom ended up needing a cortisone shot to help with some of the pain. On March 24, the Angels needed to face the music and put him on the injured list.

After a short rehab stint, Grissom was activated on April 11 and returned to the Angels’ lineup. He’s held his own since coming back. Meanwhile, pitcher Ryan Johnson hit the injured list on April 6 with a viral infection and hoped to test himself in an extended spring outing on Monday. Instead, he was pulled after just two pitches, now dealing with a hamstring issue on top of the illness.

Rehab Progress Offers Some Optimism

Angels relief pitcher Ben Joyce had to have season-ending surgery in May 2025. In March 2026, he still needed some time to recover, so he was placed on the injured list. He seems to be doing better, and he says he can now throw without pain.

Still, he remains on the injured list. Veteran relief player Kirby Yates was put on the injured list last month due to left knee inflammation. I’m not sure when he’ll be back, but he’s preparing for a rehab assignment, which will be good.

Long-Term Absences Still Loom for Angels

Angels starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez has “dead arm” and right shoulder inflammation, so it will be a hot minute before he’s back. Though on Tuesday, he did throw a bullpen session. A little before opening day, pitcher Robert Stephenson had some right elbow inflammation and ended up needing surgery.

Therefore, he will miss the rest of the season. Third baseman Anthony Rendon had hip surgery last month and probably will not play this year. Last month, Alek Manoah hurt his right middle finger, and apparently, the nail came off.

Angels Navigate Multiple Pitching Injuries as Rotation Depth Gets Tested Early

Monoah has a contusion of the right middle finger, to be precise. However, he was able to face live hitters this week. But he will probably need some rehab time in the minor leagues before being activated by the Angels. He’s still working through some stiffness, which is why the team isn’t pushing his timeline.

Pitcher George Klassen also had a fingernail problem, causing him to exit a game. However, the Angels did not expect this to be a long-term concern, so they did not place him on the injured list. Pitcher Caden Dana is also not currently on the injured list, despite his struggles with mononucleosis. However, it did delay his start to the season.

What’s Next: Is The Angels Outlook Grim or Promising?

It can be a little intimidating for Angels fans to see just how many people are either on the injured list or have been close to it. But some of these guys are doing well in rehab, and hopefully, many of them will be activated at some point. But you can’t rush the process.

These guys need time to recover so they can play at their best and bring the Angels up to where they need to be, rather than further injuring themselves. They know pushing through pain only sets the team back in the long run. Letting the injuries heal now gives them a real chance to contribute when it matters most.