Grayson Rodriguez is going coast to coast. The Central Heights native who spent the last several seasons in the starting rotation for the Baltimore Orioles has been traded to the Los Angeles Angels. According to an ESPN report that was published overnight, Rodriguez was traded in a one-on-one swap for Taylor Ward.
The trade fills needs for both ballclubs. The Angels and Orioles each finished last in their respective divisions last season. Baltimore looks to bolster their roster with a power-hitting outfielder, while Los Angeles hopes Rodriguez can return from injuries to be a part of their starting pitchers’ rotation.
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Injury Issues for Grayson Rodriguez
The former Central Heights fireballer has shown dominance at the Major League level, but injuries have plagued the 26-year-old. Several seasons ago, a lat strain caused him to miss a couple of months; then, last year, Rodriguez missed the entire 2025 season. He was sidelined in Spring Training, tending to an elbow injury. Surgery was later performed on his elbow to clear bone chips.
Rodriguez is expected to be healthy and ready to pitch again by Spring Training 2026. The Angels are hoping Grayson can be one of their top starting pitchers.
Good News For East Texas Fans
Rodriguez has been an Oriole since being a first-round draft choice in 2018, so adapting from Oriole orange to Angel red will take some getting used to. The good news for Grayson fans in East Texas is that the Angels are in the same division as the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros. This will mean more opportunities to see him pitch closer to home when the Angels travel to Arlington and Houston.
Grayson Rodriguez Major League Debut
Grayson Rodriguez who played high school baseball at Central Heights made his Major League debut on April 5, 2023, pitching against the Texas Rangers.
Gallery Credit: Danny Merrell