Grissom, Yates among 5 placed on injured list as Los Angeles Angels adjust Opening Day roster

On the final day of spring training, the Los Angeles Angels officially placed five players on the injured list. The most notable placements are infielder Vaughn Grissom on the 10-day list and relief right-hander Kirby Yates on the 15-day list. The Angels need to finalize their remaining roster before the season starts.

Grissom has not appeared in a spring training game since leaving early on March 11 due to left hand soreness. While the injury has improved, he has not yet reached a level ready for Opening Day. Angels manager Kurt Suzuki stated today that Grissom has begun tee work and ground ball fielding drills. Grissom was acquired from the Boston Red Sox last December in a trade involving minor league outfielder Isaiah Jackson and played only 11 spring training games before his injury.

After placing Grissom on the injured list, the Angels signed non-roster invitee infielder Jeimer Candelario. Candelario posted a .235 batting average and a .927 OPS during spring training, hitting four home runs, and can play first and third base. He provides insurance at third base for the Angels, given Yoán Moncada's extensive injury history.

“Candelario hit a few homers in spring training, had good quality at-bats, made good swing decisions, and can play first and third base—we even had him at second later,” Suzuki said. “He really had a great spring.”

Yates has been dealing with knee discomfort for about a week. Suzuki indicated the team will handle it cautiously and is not overly concerned. To fill his spot, the Angels signed left-handed reliever Joey Lucchesi, who was released by the San Francisco Giants on Monday.

Also placed on the injured list are right-handed pitchers Grayson Rodriguez, Alek Manoah, and Ben Joyce.

Rodriguez was placed on the 15-day injured list due to “dead arm.” Suzuki said the team is proceeding cautiously; Rodriguez has been doing strength training and throwing, feels good, but has not yet thrown a bullpen session since the issue arose.

Manoah was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a blister-related “nail injury.” Suzuki also noted that Manoah is “working through some mechanical issues” with his pitching, and the team wants him fully recovered before returning.

Joyce, who underwent shoulder surgery last May, is expected to begin the season on the injured list. Suzuki said Joyce's throwing progression is going well and his physical condition is “very good.” “I saw Ben throwing a few days ago and thought, ‘Wow, you look ready already,’” Suzuki said.