Stephenson has been dealing with right shoulder soreness but will play catch Wednesday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stephenson has yet to make a Cactus League appearance, and Fletcher's report helps clarify why the veteran reliever hasn't debuted. It's certainly a good sign that he'll resume throwing Wednesday, but he'll need to check off additional boxes before being cleared for spring games. Assuming he's fully healthy for Opening Day, Stephenson is slated for a setup role with the Angels ahead of closer Carlos Estevez.

Stephenson agreed to a three-year, $33 million contract with the Angels on Friday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Josh Hader landing in Houston, Stephenson was one the better relievers left on the market. He had a breakout 2023 campaign, during which he maintained a 3.10 ERA and 0.88 WHIP to go along with a 77:16 K:BB across 52.1 innings while pitching primarily with the Rays. Stephenson also proved capable of working in a high-leverage role by racking up 15 holds, and he should be in contention for saves alongside Carlos Estevez with his new club.

Stephenson struck out the only batter he faced to earn the save Wednesday against the Twins.

EDGE Analysis

Colin Poche was called upon to protect a one-run lead in the ninth inning and got the first two outs while also allowing a walk. Stephenson followed and struck out Christian Vazquez on three pitches to end the game and tally his first save of the season. Stephenson has been excellent since joining the Rays by maintaining a 2.43 ERA and 0.69 WHIP with a 53:8 K:BB across 33.1 innings. However, he isn't likely to see more save chances with Pete Fairbanks -- who was likely unavailable Wednesday due to a heavy recent workload -- locked in as the team's closer.

The Rays acquired Stephenson from the Pirates on Friday in exchange for minor-league infielder Alika Williams, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stephenson has a 5.14 ERA for the Pirates this season and a 5.38 ERA over 76 relief appearances since the beginning of 2022. However, the 2011 first-round pick still has pretty good stuff and can miss bats, particularly with his slider. It's the kind of profile the Rays usually get the most out of, but Stephenson can be expected to work in low-leverage situations initially.

Stephenson (elbow) was activated Friday from the 15-day injured list.

EDGE Analysis

Stephenson will join the Pirates' bullpen Friday night in St. Louis after missing the first three weeks of the 2023 regular season due to right elbow soreness. He could eventually work his way into a prominent setup role, though Pittsburgh's relief corps has been impressive all around in the early going.

Stephenson (elbow) is set to begin a minor-league rehab assignment Friday with Triple-A Indianapolis, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stephenson was placed on the 15-day injured list on Opening Day, retroactive to March 27, after being slowed this spring by lingering right elbow soreness. But he is on track now to perhaps join the Pirates' bullpen as soon as he is first eligible for activation.

Stephenson (elbow) was placed on the 15-day injured list Thursday, retroactive to March 27.

EDGE Analysis

Stephenson managed to get into Grapefruit League action before spring training came to an end, but he'll require a little more build-up after battling lingering right elbow soreness for most of camp.

Pirates manager Derek Shelton said Tuesday that Stephenson (elbow) is likely to open the season on the injured list, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stephenson made his Grapefruit League debut Tuesday afternoon against the Phillies, but he issued two walks and gave up two hits in his one inning of work. The 30-year-old right-hander has been slowed all spring by lingering elbow soreness, and the Pirates apparently feel like he needs more recovery time.

Stephenson (elbow) is listed as available out of the Pirates' bullpen for Tuesday's Grapefruit League game versus the Phillies, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stephenson has been out all spring with right elbow soreness, but he's been throwing of late with no issues and is now cleared for game action. He'll try to get in a few appearances ahead of Opening Day before serving as a setup man for David Bednar.

Stephenson (elbow) felt good Thursday after throwing live batting practice Wednesday, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stephenson is likely to log one more live BP session before perhaps then making his Grapefruit League debut. The 30-year-old right-hander is still hoping to be ready for Opening Day as he works past a bout of minor elbow discomfort.