Locked On Angels - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Angels · Locked On Podcast Network, Mike Frisch, Jon Frisch

BREAKOUT: Los Angeles Angels’ Grayson Rodriguez and Reid Detmers READY to Dominate in 2026

·36 min·3 clips

Grayson Rodriguez grins about his elbow feeling better post-surgery, aiming for 30 starts in 2026.

This episode focuses on the potential of Angels starting pitchers Grayson Rodriguez and Reid Detmers for the upcoming 2026 season. Hosts John and Mike Frisch, the "Super Halo Bros," analyze both players' recent comments and health statuses. They frame Rodriguez and Detmers as key pieces who could stabilize the Angels' rotation. Grayson Rodriguez stated he is healthy and aiming for 30 starts after bone spur removal surgery in August 2025. Reporter Rhett Bollinger noted Rodriguez smiled broadly when discussing his post-surgery elbow. Rodriguez had pitched with these bone spurs since his Double-A days, managing a 3.66 ERA over 20 starts in 2024 before the injury. The hosts compare his situation to former Angel C.J. Wilson, who posted a 3.39 ERA in 2013 after similar surgery. Rodriguez's 2024 Statcast data showed a 96.1 mph average fastball and a 97th percentile pitching extension. Reid Detmers told Jeff Fletcher of the OC Register he plans to carry a bullpen mentality into the rotation, challenging hitters more aggressively. Catcher Logan O'Hoppe observed Detmers had greater "conviction" in his pitches when used as a reliever. Detmers acknowledged he previously nibbled too much on 0-2 counts instead of attacking. His 2023 season included 148.2 innings pitched and a no-hitter, but his performance declined in 2024 before a move to the bullpen. A surprising claim is that Rodriguez's lat injury in 2024 and his 2025 elbow shutdown were directly related to the bone spurs. The hosts argue Rodriguez's statistical floor is a repeat of his solid 2024 performance, which they believe would thrill Angels fans. They posit that a fully healthy Rodriguez has the ceiling to become the team's ace. Detmers' self-admitted maturity and lessons from relief pitching are presented as a potential turning point in his career. The most memorable comparison is to C.J. Wilson, whose best seasons followed bone spur removal. The hosts highlight a specific 2023 game where Clayton Kershaw praised Detmers as the better pitcher that night. They express genuine excitement about Rodriguez's demeanor, feeling his enthusiasm for joining the Angels was authentic during a "Foul Territory" interview. The tone is optimistic and conversational, blending fan enthusiasm with analysis of player quotes and statistical history. The style is educational for Angels fans, breaking down past performance and future projections based on recent reports. The hosts engage in brotherly banter throughout the analysis. This episode is ideal for Angels fans seeking detailed updates on two pivotal young pitchers and those interested in injury comebacks and player development narratives. Listeners preferring trade rumors or organizational criticism might find this focused player analysis less engaging.

As heard by us

A skeptical Angels discussion that finds its strongest case for optimism in Detmers' bullpen-influenced approach.

The piece takes a clear swing at a simple question: are Reed Detmers and Grayson Rodriguez still rotation doubts, or are they starting to look like answers?

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Why you'd press play

You want a no-spin read on two Angels arms who might finally settle the rotation.

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