TEMPE, Ariz. — While parts of the roster are beginning to take shape, key decisions still loom for the Los Angeles Angels as camp enters a new stretch.
According to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com, the club continues evaluating battles at second base, in the bullpen, and in the outfield, even as clarity emerges in the starting rotation.
Perhaps the most layered competition sits on the infield. Christian Moore is pushing for the starting second base job in big league camp. The 2024 first-round pick recently connected for his first Cactus League homer and has also logged time at third base behind Yoán Moncada.
Moore is joined by Vaughn Grissom and Oswald Peraza, both of whom are out of minor league options, raising the stakes of their performances this spring.
On the mound, the picture is sharpening. José Soriano, Yusei Kikuchi, and Reid Detmers entered camp as established rotation pieces.
The intrigue centered on newly acquired right-handers Grayson Rodriguez and Alek Manoah, each returning from injury-plagued seasons. Rodriguez, who had bone spurs removed from his elbow last August, has shown encouraging velocity early in camp.
Manoah, working his way back from Tommy John surgery, has delivered scoreless outings that suggest he may be regaining his old form.
While those two appear well-positioned to claim the remaining spots, younger options such as George Klassen and left-hander Mitch Farris have made positive impressions.
Unlike the rotation, high-leverage options remain unsettled. The Angels added experienced relievers, including Kirby Yates, Jordan Romano, Drew Pomeranz, and Brent Suter, on short-term deals, but no official closer has emerged.
Robert Stephenson is trending toward readiness for Opening Day, while Ben Joyce could begin the season on the injured list. That uncertainty has opened opportunities for pitchers such as Sam Bachman and Chase Silseth to strengthen their cases.
The defensive alignment may ultimately depend on Mike Trout. After spending time in right field last season, Trout is aiming to return to center field, a move that would allow Jo Adell and Josh Lowe to take over in the corner spots while Jorge Soler rotates between designated hitter and the outfield.
Lowe’s current oblique issue is currently being watched closely, especially given his prior history of injuries.
With a few weeks remaining before Opening Day, the Angels’ roster certainly has some question marks that will need to be addressed in the coming weeks. Still, as Bollinger mentioned, final roster decisions will hinge on health, versatility, and late-camp performance.