Angels pitcher dealt crushing injury update

Los Angeles Angels right-hander Robert Stephenson will miss the entire 2026 MLB season following ligament and flexor tendon repair surgery on his right elbow, the team announced before Wednesday’s game against the Atlanta Braves. The 33-year-old had already been placed on the 60-day injured list during Spring Training with elbow inflammation.

Stephenson’s absence continues a troubling pattern since he signed a three-year, $33 million contract ahead of the 2024 season. Across the first two years of that deal, he has pitched just 10 innings, all of which came this past season. He missed the entire 2024 campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery in May, and his 2025 season was limited to 12 appearances due to a combination of biceps inflammation, nerve irritation, and recurring elbow issues.

Stephenson posted a 2.70 ERA with 10 strikeouts and three walks across 10 innings in 2025. His signing was largely based on a stellar 2023 season, during which he recorded a 2.35 ERA, 0.67 WHIP, and 60 strikeouts in 38 1/3 innings after joining the Tampa Bay Rays. He finished that year with a 3.10 ERA and 77 strikeouts in 52 1/3 innings, along with a 180 ERA+ and a superlative 42.9% strikeout rate.

However, injuries have prevented him from becoming the high-leverage reliever the Angels envisioned. A late Spring Training setback exposed damage to his ulnar collateral ligament and flexor muscle, requiring another surgery and marking the second full season he will miss in three years.

Stephenson’s contract includes a conditional option for 2027, valued at $2.5 million, which was to be unlocked if he spent 130 consecutive days on the IL due to an elbow ligament injury. Since he missed the 2024 season, that option was therefore already triggered, though his continued health concerns make it an uncertain decision.

In Stephenson’s absence, Jordan Romano has stepped into the closer role, entering Wednesday with four saves and a 0.00 ERA over five innings. The bullpen will also rely on arms such as Ryan Zeferjahn, Chase Silseth, and Sam Bachman, while veterans Drew Pomeranz and Brent Suter provide left-handed depth. Meanwhile, Kirby Yates is working back from a knee injury and could soon begin a rehab assignment.