The Angels optioned Rodriguez to Triple-A Salt Lake on Wednesday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.
After working as a reliever in his first 13 big-league appearances, Rodriguez made his first career start Monday against the Rangers, covering six innings and striking out seven while giving up four runs (three earned) on four hits and two walks. Rodriguez's demotion appears to be mostly for roster-management purposes rather than a performance-based decision. As Fletcher notes, the Angels have a doubleheader coming up Aug. 10 in Toronto, and Rodriguez would be eligible to rejoin the big club before the minimum 10 days to start one half of the twin bill.