Five Pitchers Competing For Los Angeles Angels Final Rotation Spot

The Los Angeles Angels have five starting rotation spots already filled for the upcoming season.

However, pitchers Jaime Barria, Tucker Davidson, Griffin Canning, Chris Rodriguez, and Chase Silseth are competing for the sixth spot.

Jaime Barria is the most likely candidate as he performed well as a long reliever last season and is now looking to become a starter again.

He recorded a 2.61 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 54 strikeouts to 19 walks in 79.1 innings last season.

José Quijada, Jaime Barría, Andrew Wantz and Jimmy Herget bullpen pic.twitter.com/xWQbGnLOak

— Sarah Valenzuela (@Sarah_IsabelVee) February 16, 2023

Tucker Davidson, who struggled in his eight starts with the Angels last year, worked on improving his mechanics and velocity during the offseason, but his lack of options means he must make the Opening Day roster or be exposed to waivers.

He was acquired last year at the trade deadline in a deal that sent closer Raisel Iglesias to the Atlanta Braves. The twenty-six-year-old struggled in his first eight starts for the Angels, posting a 6.87 ERA with 23 strikeouts over 36.2 innings.

Tucker Davidson is scheduled to start on Saturday in the first spring training game against the Mariners. He’ll likely go two innings.

As I said to Nevin…using another opener against the Mariners is risky business.

— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) February 21, 2023

Griffin Canning missed the entire 2022 season due to injury, but he is now fully healthy and could be an option for the sixth starter.

Over his first three seasons in the majors, the twenty-six-year-old holds a 4.73 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, with 214 strikeouts across 209.1 innings and 41 starts.

Rookie player, veteran mindset.@griffin_canning's final line Monday: 6 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 5 K pic.twitter.com/tlIcKbGcDZ

— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) June 11, 2019

However, the Angels may choose to send him to Triple-A Salt Lake to ease him into a normal schedule before calling him back up to the Majors.

Chris Rodriguez is also recovering from a shoulder injury, and while he has electric stuff, he will likely be eased into action this spring.

The twenty-four-year-old has just one season under his belt, compiling a solid 3.64 ERA with 29 strikeouts over 29.2 innings and 15 appearances (2 starts).

Angels RHP Chris Rodriguez has dealt with horrible injury luck since being drafted in the 4th round of the 2016 Draft. He showed well in 29.2 MLB innings before undergoing shoulder surgery. He may make the move to the bullpen, but Rodriguez has high leverage stuff when healthy. pic.twitter.com/JK8fZ0NqYb

— Aram Leighton (@AramLeighton8) February 6, 2023

Chase Silseth, the least experienced of the group, could make a case for the sixth spot with a strong spring, but he is more likely to start the season in the minors.

Chase Silseth, Filthy Splitter and Slider. 😷 pic.twitter.com/l8GOfpGNrv

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 7, 2022

The twenty-four-year-old made his major-league debut last season, recording a 6.59 ERA with 24 strikeouts across 28.2 innings and seven starts.

In summary, the Angels have five starting rotation spots filled and are considering five pitchers for the sixth spot, with Jaime Barria and Tucker Davidson being the frontrunners. Griffin Canning and Chris Rodriguez are recovering from injuries and may need more time to build up their arm strength, while Chase Silseth is the least experienced of the group and is likely to start the season in the minors. Photo Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports