2020 Angels in review: Jose Rodriguez

Jose Rodriguez was one of 25 Angels to throw a pitch in a major league game in 2020, and the Venezuelan right-hander was one of only two not to allow a run, along with catcher Anthony Bemboom.

Rodriguez was a non-roster invitee to spring training after pitching in nine games for the Angels as a rookie in 2019. He saw both extremes with a 2.75 ERA and 6.88 FIP, thanks to five home runs allowed in 19⅔ innings, but allowing only six total runs.

The Angels called up Rodriguez on Aug. 1 to add a fresh arm to a decimated pitching staff, and he was active for four games. He only pitched once, relieving Shohei Ohtani in his second and final short start on the mound of 2020. Rodriguez recorded five outs without allowing a run.

2020 particulars

Age: 24

Stats: 0.00 ERA, 4.99 FIP, 1.800 WHIP, 1⅔ IP

Salary: unknown (likely somewhere near MLB minimum of $563,500)

Game of the year

The easiest decision of the entire 2020 Angels review series, since Rodriguez only pitched in one major league game this year.

On Aug. 2 against the Astros at home, Rodriguez came into clean up Ohtani’s mess, with the bases loaded and two outs in the second inning. Rodriguez induced a groundout from Jose Altuve to escape further damage, then worked around a single and a walk in a scoreless third inning. Rodriguez recorded another out before allowing a single to his final batter faced.

Roster status

Rodriguez in August was sent outright to the minors, removing him from the 40-man roster, something that also happened last offseason. In October, the right-hander elected free agency.