ANAHEIM -- Right-hander Grayson Rodriguez turned in a strong showing in his rehab outing with Triple-A Salt Lake on Saturday, which means he could rejoin the Angels’ rotation before the All-Star break.
Rodriguez, who has been out since June 14 with low back tightness, went 5 1/3 innings, allowing one run on four hits with five strikeouts and no walks. It was his second rehab appearance, as he also allowed one run over four innings with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga on Sunday.
Rodriguez also got up to 78 pitches on Saturday, so he’s stretched out enough to return to the rotation if the Angels believe he’s ready. The 26-year-old has posted an 8.06 ERA with 24 strikeouts, 15 walks and four homers allowed in 25 2/3 innings over six big league starts this season.
Rodriguez, acquired in an offseason trade that sent outfielder Taylor Ward to Baltimore, opened the season on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation before making his Angels debut on May 17.
Rodriguez could replace rookie lefty Sam Aldegheri in the rotation, as he started on Saturday but struggled early. He had a rough opening frame against the Red Sox, allowing a three-run homer to Willson Contreras after issuing a pair of walks.