WASHINGTON — Grayson Rodriguez’s biggest problem in his first year with the Angels isn’t difficult to diagnose, even if there’s an obvious built-in explanation.
“Consistency’s been the biggest issue,” the right-hander said Sunday after the Angels’ 6-5 loss to the Washington Nationals. “That’s been the hardest thing to figure out.”
Still, Sunday’s start offered some encouragement for Rodriguez’s trajectory, especially after giving up five runs in four innings on Monday at Boston.
Rodriguez allowed two runs in 5 1/3 innings, settling in well after needing 31 pitches to get through the first inning. He loaded the bases in the first, but Zach Neto deftly fielded Yohandy Morales’ grounder to short and got the force at home, and Daylen Lile flew out to end the threat.
The Nationals managed just three hits over the next four innings. Keibert Ruiz was erased on a double-play grounder after a leadoff single in the second, and James Wood was stranded at first after singles in the third and fifth.
“It was a tough first inning for him and he had to work really hard, and then for him to pitch into the sixth I thought was a great job by him on a hot, muggy day against a really good lineup,” Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said. “That lineup, that team, you’d think they’re in first place with the way they can swing the bats and what they do.”
Sunday marked the fourth time in five starts that Rodriguez has pitched into the sixth inning, the first time he’s done so since a lat strain cost him the final two months of 2024.
He missed all of last year with an elbow injury, was dealt from Baltimore to the Angels for outfielder Taylor Ward in November and didn’t make his 2026 debut until May 17 because of shoulder inflammation. He later missed nearly a month with a lower back injury.
Rodriguez set down 13 of 16 before his day ended after CJ Abrams’ one-out double in the sixth and Yohandy Morales’ RBI single. While Morales would come around to score later, Rodriguez saw clear progress in his performance.
“Being able to land off-speed for strikes, that’s a big thing and something I’ve struggled with this year,” Rodriguez said. “Anytime I can get in the zone with some off-speed stuff, it makes it a little bit easier to pitch into a ballgame.”
With just two weeks left in the season, Rodriguez is likely lined up to pitch twice more and has a clear aim in mind.
“Finish the year healthy I think is the big thing,” Rodriguez said. “Obviously want to go into the offseason healthy. Keep stacking up innings. I know we’re coming down to the end, but pitching as much as I can.”
TRIPLE-20 AGAIN FOR NETO
Shortstop Zach Neto recorded his 20th stolen base of the season in the eighth inning, giving him at least 20 home runs, 20 doubles and 20 steals in a season for the third consecutive season.
He is the third Angel to accomplish the 20/20/20 combination three times, joining Mike Trout’s five seasons (2012-13 and 2016-18) and Don Baylor’s first three years with the franchise (1977-79).
REHAB UPDATE
Suzuki said both first baseman Nolan Schanuel and pitcher Sam Bachman were scheduled for rehabilitation assignment outings Sunday night for Triple-A Salt Lake.
Schanuel went on the injured list Aug. 22 with a right intercostal muscle strain. Bachman, who Suzuki said felt good after a bullpen session Friday, has not pitched for the Angels since Aug. 2 because right forearm radial nerve inflammation.
UP NEXT
The Angels begin their final homestand of the season Monday when lefty Reid Detmers (5-8, 3.32 ERA) faces Seattle left-hander Kade Anderson (1-1, 4.29). Right-hander Ryan Johnson (4-8, 5.12) starts Tuesday for the Angels, while lefty Yusei Kikuchi (1-5, 4.75) is scheduled for Wednesday’s series finale against the Mariners.