LA Angels: 5 promising facts about the young core

No. 4 promising fact about the LA Angels’ young core: Chris Rodriguez has 0 HR Allowed in 29.2 Innings of Work

A fourth-rounder in 2016 out of Monsignor Edward Pace High School in Miami Gardens, Florida, Chris Rodriguez had not pitched above A ball before 2021. His strong spring training performance forced Joe Maddon’s hand at saving a big league roster spot for him on opening day, and Rodriguez has impressed since. Splitting his time out of the bullpen and as a starter, Rodriguez has thrown 29.2 quality innings for the Halos, and has allowed just one home run.

In an era where launch angle and lift is so prevalent in MLB hitters’ minds, Rodriguez’s ability to keep the ball in the park has been incredibly impressive, and he will be an asset both out of the bullpen and in the rotation for years to come.