PEORIA, Ariz. — Christian Friedrich arrived in Scottsdale, Ariz., in late January thinking he would get a head start on spring training. After his first full season pitching out of the bullpen, the then-Rockies left-hander hoped to work with team trainers to alleviate some not unexpected tightness in his throwing shoulder.
What he got instead was an unexpected trip around the Phoenix area. On Jan. 28, the Rockies designated Friedrich for assignment. A week later, the Angels claimed him off waivers. On Feb. 19, their first workout for pitchers and catchers was winding down when Friedrich was pulled off the field.