11:41 AM: Stephenson explained:heartbreaking“I’ve sent word to Fletcher that this setback is related to a possible UCL tear. Another surgery certainly appears to be a possibility, but Stevenson will first visit Dr. Keith Meister to discuss non-surgical options that could allow the reliever to pitch at some point in 2026.
9:52 AM: robert stevenson He’s dealing with another injury issue, as Angels manager Kurt Suzuki told reporters (including Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register) that the right-hander suffered an unspecified type of setback during a pitching session. Suzuki explained this problem as follows:a little frustration,” But Stevenson will undergo tests to determine the extent of the problem.
Given the timing of this apparent injury and Stevenson’s health, it now seems very likely that he will start the season on the Angels’ 15-day injured list. Even if the current issue is just a speed bump and Stevenson pitches again in a few days, his pitching progress may be curtailed a bit, and the reliever has yet to pitch in a Cactus League game.
According to his own words, Stevenson has already entered spring training.Everyone a little later” After receiving shots during the offseason to treat some symptoms associated with thoracic outlet syndrome.Still, it was only a week ago that Stevenson felt confident about his chances of making the Opening Day roster as he went through the process of facing hitters in live batting practice.
Stevenson’s third season with the Halos is off to an unwelcome start. That’s because the right-hander barely pitched during the first two seasons of what was originally a three-year, $33 million contract. Under a clause in the contract, the Angels gained a $2.5 million club option for 2027 because Stevenson suffered a serious elbow ligament-related injury. Namely, the Tommy John surgery that ruled him out for the entire 2024 season.
Stevenson returned to action in two games in May 2025, but a nerve-related biceps issue forced him to return to the IL for nearly three more months. He played in 10 more games for Los Angeles before elbow inflammation ended his season. Stevenson’s Angels history consists of just 10 innings in 2025, a 2.70 ERA, 23.8% strikeout rate, and 7.1% walk rate.
Although the sample size is small, Stephenson’s solid numbers have provided hope that he can repeat the high-leverage form he showed last season with the Reds, Rockies, Pirates and Rays. On the other hand, TOS symptoms have given rise to fears of new injuries and it remains to be seen what the video will show us in this latest situation.
In more good news about the Angel Relief Corps, Fletcher wrote: ben joyce He added a slider to his pitching repertoire during bullpen sessions and during his minor league contract. Nick Sandlin It is expected to get into gaming action soon after a pair of live BP sessions. One of the fastest pitchers in baseball, Joyce had a breakout season in 2024 but missed almost all of 2025 due to shoulder surgery. Sandlin also pitched little in 2025, limited to 16 1/3 innings for the Blue Jays due to a lat strain and elbow inflammation.
