Grissom, Yates among Angels starting season on IL

LOS ANGELES -- On the last day of Spring Training, the Angels officially moved five players to the injured list. Among those, infielder Vaughn Grissom being placed on the 10-day injured list and right-handed reliever Kirby Yates going on the 15-day injured list are most notable, as the Angels had to figure out the remaining roster spots ahead of Opening Day.

Grissom hasn’t played a Spring Training game since March 11, when he exited the game early due to a sore left hand. He’s progressed since then, but not enough to be ready for the start of the season.

Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said on Tuesday that Grissom is hitting off a tee and taking ground balls.

Grissom was acquired in December in a trade from the Boston Red Sox for Minor League outfielder Isaiah Jackson. He only appeared in 11 Spring Training games before the injury.

With Grissom now on the injured list, the Angels have selected the contract of non-roster invite infielder Jeimer Candelario.

Candelario hit .235 with a .927 OPS and four home runs this spring and can play each corner infield position. Candelario can provide insurance for the Angels at third base in case Yoán Moncada faces an injury, as he has dealt with many throughout his career.

“[Candelario] had some homers, some good at-bats, some good swing decisions and being able to play first, third, then we put him at second,” Suzuki said. “So he's definitely had a great spring.”

Yates’ knee has been bothering him for about a week, according to Suzuki. He said that the Angels will be cautious with Yates and that they aren’t too concerned.

To fill his roster spot, the Angels signed left-handed reliever Joey Lucchesi, who was released by the Giants on Sunday.

Also heading to the injured list are right-handers Grayson Rodriguez, Alek Manoah and Ben Joyce.

It was announced on Sunday that Rodriguez will start the season on the 15-day injured list with dead arm. Suzuki said the Angels are going to be cautious with Rodriguez, but he has been doing his strengthening exercises and playing catch. Despite feeling good, he has not thrown a bullpen since his injury.

A blister has caused Manoah to go on the 15-day injured list with a “fingernail injury.” Suzuki also said Manoah is “working through some mechanical things,” and the Angels want to make sure he’s right before coming back.

Joyce is coming back from shoulder surgery last May, so it was expected for him to start the year on the injured list. Suzuki said Joyce is progressing well in his throwing program and looks to be in “tremendous shape.”

“I saw Ben throw the other day and I was like, ‘Oh, my gosh, you look ready,” Suzuki said.