Angels' Ron Washington Announces Injury News After Guardians Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated May 31, 2025 3:59 PM ET

The Los Angeles Angels snapped a four-game losing streak with a 4-1 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Friday night at Progressive Field. Right-hander José Soriano delivered a stellar performance, pitching six scoreless innings while allowing only four hits and striking out two batters.

Jo Adell contributed significantly on offense, going 3-for-4 with an RBI, while Jorge Soler added a solo home run in the ninth inning. The Angels' offense was efficient, with eight of the nine starters recording at least one hit, showcasing a balanced attack that had been missing during their recent skid.

The highlight of the evening was the return of three-time AL MVP Mike Trout, who had been sidelined since April 30 due to a bone bruise on his surgically repaired left knee.

Batting fifth as the designated hitter, Trout went 1-for-5, recording a single in the fourth inning. Trout's return is particularly significant given his history of knee issues, including two surgeries in 2024 to repair a torn meniscus.

However, the victory was tempered by concerning news regarding reliever Robert Stephenson. In just his second appearance since returning from Tommy John surgery, Stephenson exited the game after throwing only three pitches due to right biceps discomfort ( via Angels PR).

pic.twitter.com/t5uLzIYhNr
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) May 31, 2025

There was initial concern the injury could be related to his surgically repaired elbow, but Angels manager Ron Washington announced a positive update after the game.

"Ron Washington said he thinks Stephenson is going to be fine," Jeff Fletcher of the OC Register wrote. "Just day to day, he says. We are waiting to talk to Stephenson."

Fletcher added, "Stephenson said he was checked by a doctor and he did some quick tests. He’s encouraged that’s it right in the middle of the bicep (not by his elbow). He said he is planning to try to throw tomorrow and go from there."

Stephenson said he was checked by a doctor and he did some quick tests. He’s encouraged that’s it right in the middle of the bicep (not by his elbow). He said he is planning to try to throw tomorrow and go from there.
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) May 31, 2025

The Angels had high hopes for Stephenson's return to bolster the bullpen. The team will monitor his condition closely as they return to action against the Guardians on Saturday, hoping to clinch the series.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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