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15 articles
LAA • Pitcher • #24
1 day ago
It’s a potential worst-case scenario and a crushing blow for Stephenson, who previously underwent Tommy John surgery back in 2024. The 33-year-old veteran reliever suffered a setback earlier this week after experiencing nerve issue and thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms during the offseason. He’ll visit with Dr. Meister to evaluate his options and determine whether he’ll be able to pitch at all this season. The most likely outcome is some kind of surgical procedure if he’s dealing with UCL damage. He’s no longer in the mix to close for the Angels with Kirby Yates, Jordan Romano and Drew Pomeranz the leading candidates.
Source: Jeff Fletcher
LAA • Pitcher • #24
2 days ago
The 33-year-old hurler will undergo further evaluation. Talent has never been in question for Stephenson, it’s his inability to stay on the field that has been frustrating. He had been in the running to open the season as the team’s closer, which could now open the door for Kirby Yates to assume the ninth inning role.
Source: Jeff Fletcher
LAA • Pitcher • #24
9 days ago
Stephenson hovered around 94-95 mph with his four-seam fastball, which is fine. He sat 97 in his breakout season with the Rays, but Stephenson is still working his way back to 100 percent. He will likely progress to a spring training game soon and remains optimistic that he could be ready for Opening Day, where he would serve as the Angels’ closer to begin the year.
Source: Rhett Bollinger
LAA • Pitcher • #24
10 days ago
Stephenson still believes he’s on track to pitch Opening Day. His throwing progression has gone well after he threw off a mound this week for the first time, and now it’s on to hitters. If it continues, he should start appearing in Spring Training games towards the end of the month.
Source: Rhett Bollinger
LAA • Pitcher • #24
26 days ago
Stephenson entered camp roughly a week behind the other pitchers after ending the 2025 season on the injured list due to inflammation in his pitching elbow. When healthy, he certainly has the stuff do get outs in the ninth inning, though he’ll need to figure out a way to stay off of the injured list if he’s going to challenge for save chances at the back end of the Halos’ bullpen.
Source: Jeff Fletcher
LAA • Pitcher • #24
about 1 month ago
Assuming that holds up, Stephenson could figure into the Angels closing plans. Stephenson did not pitch in 2024 and managed just 12 appearances in 2025, where he had a 2.70 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in 10 innings off a return from the 60-day injured list. He was re-shelved in September. Stephenson is fragile enough that we probably shouldn’t invest a high-round pick in him, but he has the stuff to close if his arm is up to the task.
Source: Rhett Bollinger
LAA • Pitcher • #24
6 months ago
The 32-year-old right-hander has been shelved now with several arm-related injuries this season. He pitched well when he was able to take the mound — posting a 2.70 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and a 10/3 K/BB ratio over 10 innings of work in 12 appearances. Sam Bachman was recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake to take his place in the Halos’ bullpen.
LAA • Pitcher • #24
7 months ago
Stephenson will make his triumphant return to the Angels’ bullpen on Friday evening after missing a couple of months with a stretched nerve in his biceps. Before being shelved, the 32-year-old hurler had struck out two batters over one perfect inning of work with the Halos.
LAA • Pitcher • #24
7 months ago
Stephenson averaged just 93.8 mph with his fastball last night, down from 98.5 mph in his one major league appearance this season and 96.9 mph pre-Tommy John surgery in 2023. The Angels will probably want to give him a couple of more appearances to build up before activating him.
LAA • Pitcher • #24
8 months ago
Nothing has changed in the prognosis for the 32-year-old hurler, who is dealing with a stretched nerve in his biceps, this was done as a procedural move to free up a spot on the team’s 40-man roster for José Quijada on Thursday. There’s still no clear timetable on when Stephenson may resume throwing.
LAA • Pitcher • #24
9 months ago
Stephenson instead is dealing with a stretched nerve. The right-hander was placed on the 15-day injured list Monday, and he told reporters Saturday that the only treatment is rest. There’s no timetable for when Stephenson will be ready for return, but it’s likely this will be longer than a two-week minimum absence.
Source: Rhett Bollinger
LAA • Pitcher • #24
10 months ago
Stephenson was hurt in his second MLB appearance since returning from Tommy John surgery. The Angels thought it was a day-to-day problem, but he’ll be down for at least two weeks now.
LAA • Pitcher • #24
10 months ago
It certainly didn’t look good when Stephenson exited Friday’s relief appearance after just three pitches with bicep discomfort. It was his second outing back after an extended absence recovering from Tommy John surgery. The positive news here is that he’s feeling better and might wind up avoiding a trip back to the injured list.
Source: Jeff Fletcher
LAA • Pitcher • #24
10 months ago
You just hate to see it. The 32-year-old hurler was just activated from the injured list on Wednesday following a lengthy recovery from Tommy John surgery. Hopefully it’s not something catastrophic and arm related. Look for the Angels to provide an update on his status shortly.
Source: Jeff Fletcher
LAA • Pitcher • #24
10 months ago
Stephenson rejoins the Angels’ high-leverage mix for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery last May. The 32-year-old righty, who has made 271 appearances in the big leagues dating back to 2016, will provide a lift to Los Angeles’ bullpen and help bridge the gap to veteran stopper Kenley Jansen.