The Arizona Diamondbacks claimed right-hander Chris Rodriguez off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels on Monday, according to sources. The 25-year-old reliever hasn't pitched in the big leagues since 2021 but has a live arm and a 3.64 ERA in 15 major-league appearances with the Angels, with all of them coming in 2021. The 25-year-old has missed the last two seasons with right-shoulder issues, but the D-backs were willing to take a chance on him as relief depth for the upcoming 2024 campaign. Rodriguez pitched only 2 2/3 innings with Single-A Inland Empire and Triple-A Salt Lake in 2023, allowing four earned runs on six hits while walking three and striking out two.

Los Angeles Angels right-hander Chris Rodriguez (lat) might not be ready for spring training, according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com. The 23-year-old suffered a lat strain and was placed on the seven-day minor league injured list on Aug. 14. He was currently rehabbing but has suffered a setback. He had two stints with the club in 2021, appearing in 15 games and making two starts. He posted a 3.64 ERA with 29 strikeouts and 15 walks across 29 2/3 innings. It's unclear where Rodriguez stands heading into next season with many in-house rotation options, and the Angels will likely look for more arms in the offseason. If Rodriguez happens to make the rotation, he'll be nothing more than a late-round draft pick in deep leagues.

Los Angeles Angels pitcher Chris Rodriguez (lat) will not pitch again this season, according to Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register. Rodriguez was shut down due to a lat strain last month, and manager Joe Maddon said that the team has decided there is not enough time left in the season to build him back up to game shape. Over 15 appearances this year, Rodriguez went 2-1 with a 3.64 ERA, 1.449 WHIP and 21.6 percent strikeout rate over 29 2/3 innings of work. Depending on where he ends up on the Angels pitching staff next season, he could be an interesting guy to target later in drafts.

Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Chris Rodriguez will start one game of Tuesday's doubleheader against Toronto. Although it's unknown which game it will be, it will still be a tough task for the 23-year-old, who recently made his first big league start on Monday against the Texas Rangers, lasting six innings while giving up four runs in total. Rodriguez likely won't be a regular presence for L.A. moving ahead, although fantasy managers dealing with injuries can certainly look his way just in case he sticks around.

Prior to Wednesday's game, The Los Angeles Angels have demoted right-hander Chris Rodriguez to Triple-A Salt Lake, according to Sam Blum of The Athletic. Rodriguez was recalled on Monday and made one start, going six innings and allowing four runs on four hits. It was his second stint with the Angels this season, making the team out of spring and appearing 13 times out of the bullpen. He has put up a 3.86 ERA with 27 K and 13 BB in 25.2 IP altogether. Rodriguez seems to be the odd man out of a rotation that previously had seven pitchers. The Angels will continue to utilize him out of the rotation in the minors and he should get another shot as a starter at the big league level in the future. He didn't have much fantasy impact before his demotion and now he should definitely be dropped by fantasy managers who hoped he could stick around with the team.

Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Chris Rodriguez (2-1) picked up the loss in Monday's 4-1 defeat to the Texas Rangers, although he did collect a quality start. He threw six innings, struck out seven, issued two walks, and allowed four runs (three earned). He started the seventh but was pulled quickly after allowing a double and a single to start the inning. It was Rodriguez's first career start and his first MLB appearance since being optioned to Double-A in June. For the year, he has a 3.86 ERA with 27 K and 13 BB while allowing no home runs in 25.2 IP. As of now, the Angels have seven potential starters on the active roster, so it's unclear what their plan is. But given his age (23) and the struggles of other pitchers, he should be given the opportunity to continue in the rotation. Chris Rodriguez isn't talented enough to be a must-add and fantasy managers should wait and see if he can stick in the rotation before picking him up.

Los Angeles Angels right-hander Chris Rodriguez will be called up to make his first major league start on Monday against the Texas Rangers, Jeff Fletcher of the Southern California News Group reports. The Angels needed a starter to replace Shohei Ohtani (thumb), who is day-to-day with thumb soreness. Rodriguez hasn't pitched with the Angels since being demoted to the minors on June 21, but he did post a 3.66 ERA during his time in the majors, albeit a 22.2 K% and a 12.2 BB%. His minor league stats haven't been as great, producing a 4.26 ERA and a 5.87 ERA in Double-A and Triple-A this season, respectively. Fantasy managers can expect above-average strikeout numbers, but a lack of control will lead to a high frequency of free passes. If needed, he should only be a streaming option against a week Rangers lineup, as he won't be in the rotation once Ohtani is back.