The Angels have been busy as they shape up their Opening Day roster, making nearly a dozen moves. Among the highlights, left-handed reliever Joey Lucchesi has inked a one-year deal with the team. Veteran infielders Adam Frazier and Jeimer Candelario have also secured spots on the big league roster.
Vaughn Grissom is heading to the 10-day injured list due to a sprained left wrist. Meanwhile, pitchers Ben Joyce, Alek Manoah, Kirby Yates, and Grayson Rodriguez are all on the 15-day injured list, with these placements retroactive to March 22.
To accommodate Lucchesi, Frazier, and Candelario on the 40-man roster, the Angels have made some strategic moves. Anthony Rendon and Robert Stephenson are on the 60-day injured list, while lefty reliever Jayvien Sandridge has been designated for assignment.
Frazier and Candelario were anticipated to make the roster after signing minor league contracts in the offseason. Frazier is set to take on a significant role at second base, bringing a left-handed bat to a predominantly right-handed lineup. He impressed this spring with a .281 average and a .452 on-base percentage, though he has struggled at the plate over the past few seasons.
Candelario, at 32, returns to the majors after time in Triple-A with the Yankees. Despite a challenging stint with the Reds, he showed some power this spring with four homers.
He’s now versatile enough to cover multiple infield positions, providing depth alongside Oswald Peraza, Yoán Moncada, and Frazier. The Angels will pay him the league minimum, while the Reds cover most of his salary.
The surprise among the injured list moves is Kirby Yates. The veteran right-hander, who joined the Angels on a $5 million deal, was expected to be a key bullpen piece. His absence will delay his contributions as a closer alongside Jordan Romano and Drew Pomeranz.
Ben Joyce is on the mend from a shoulder procedure last May. Although he didn’t pitch this spring, his return is anticipated early in the season, which is a positive sign for the Angels.
Vaughn Grissom’s injury gives the team some time to decide his future on the roster, as he’s out of minor league options. Injuries to Rodriguez and Manoah have opened rotation spots for Jack Kochanowicz and Ryan Johnson.
Jayvien Sandridge, who joined from the Yankees in January, has been designated for assignment after a tough spring. The Angels have a few days to trade him or pass him through waivers. His strikeout ability is notable, but control issues have been a challenge.
As the Angels finalize their lineup, these moves set the stage for an intriguing start to the season, with new faces ready to make an impact and injured players working their way back.