California Angels
Figueroa made his major league debut on April 9, 1974. After Nolan Ryan had already given up three earned runs to the Texas Rangers, he was yanked in the second inning with the bases loaded and no outs. Skip Lockwood struck out the first batter he faces, then gave up a grand slam to Jeff Burroughs. The Angels were already behind 10–2 when Figueroa was called into the game in the eighth inning. He gave up only one hit in two innings.
On July 6, Figueroa pitched a brilliant complete game in which he only gave up one earned run while striking out six and scattering six hits. He, however, received no run support from his team, and his first professional decision turned out to be a 1–0 loss to the Cleveland Indians. His next start was also a complete game. This time, however, he received plenty of run support, and beat the Boston Red Sox 7–0 at Fenway Park. The 1974 Angels were a last place team who barely avoided losing 100 games (94). Figueroa ended up with a 2–8 record despite a respectable 3.67 ERA.
After splitting 1974 between starts and relief appearances, Figueroa was added to the starting rotation for 1975. The Angels were again a last place team, yet Figueroa still managed to put up respectable numbers, going 16–13 with a 2.91 ERA. Following the season, Figueroa was traded with center fielder Mickey Rivers to the New York Yankees for All-Star outfielder Bobby Bonds.
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