After signing a three-year, $33 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels in 2024, reliever Robert Stephenson was aiming to make a strong first impression. He had earned the deal after a stellar 2023 campaign with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Tampa Bay Rays, where he posted a 3.10 ERA and a 140 ERA+ over 52.2 innings — a career-best season.
However, Stephenson’s debut with the Angels has yet to happen. During 2024 Spring Training, it was announced that he would need Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for the entire season. With a typical recovery window of 12 to 18 months, his availability for the 2025 season also became uncertain.
Now, the Angels have finally received some positive news. According to Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register, Stephenson has made significant progress in his rehab. He has started throwing “up-down” bullpen sessions — a routine where a pitcher takes breaks during the session to simulate working through multiple innings.
Although Stephenson hasn’t pitched for the Angels yet, he brings a solid résumé to the mound. Over his career, he owns a 4.64 ERA, a 1.337 WHIP, and a 2.55 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Once he returns to action, the Angels will be his fifth Major League team during his decade-long career.
Stephenson is eligible to return from Tommy John surgery in late May, and the hope is that he can be fully integrated into the bullpen as the summer progresses.
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