Robert Stephenson
RP LAA
Wed 4/3/24 3:32 PM

Stephenson (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Wednesday and could be cleared to face hitters in live batting practice within the next few days, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.
EDGE Analysis
According to Fletcher, the bullpen session was Stephenson's third in less than a week, a sign that he's bouncing back well after he was shut down for a brief period of time earlier in the spring with right shoulder inflammation. Because he didn't complete a proper spring training throwing progression, Stephenson will still need additional time to complete the ramp-up process, but a minor-league rehab assignment doesn't appear to be too far off. Stephenson could report to one of the Angels' affiliates as soon as next week if his live BP session goes as expected.

Robert Stephenson
RP LAA
Sun 3/31/24 12:34 PM

Stephenson (shoulder) is lined up to throw a bullpen session in Miami on Monday, per MLB.com.
EDGE Analysis
Stephenson threw off a mound Friday, using all of his pitches in a session that went well, per Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com. With the expectation that he'll throw again Monday, it appears that the veteran reliever is progressing well in his recovery from right shoulder inflammation. Stephenson has indicated that he hopes to join the major-league club by the end of April, and when he does so he should have a high-leverage role in the Angels' bullpen.

Robert Stephenson
RP LAA
Sat 3/30/24 3:59 PM

Stephenson (shoulder) threw off the mound Friday and noted that he hopes to be back by the end of April, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
Stephenson has been dealing with right shoulder soreness since late February. His availability for Opening Day was taken off the table during spring training before he was ultimately placed on the Angels' 15-day injured list Thursday. Stephenson spent the 2023 season between the Pirates and Rays, posting a 3.10 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 77:16 K:BB over 52.1 innings.

Robert Stephenson
RP LAA
Thu 3/28/24 11:40 AM

The Angels placed Stephenson on the 15-day injured list Thursday with right shoulder inflammation.
EDGE Analysis
The 31-year-old recently resumed throwing but remains without a timetable to make his season debut. Once healthy, Stephenson is poised to serve in a setup role in front of closer Carlos Estevez.

Robert Stephenson
RP LAA
Thu 3/21/24 1:15 PM

Stephenson (shoulder) is scheduled to play catch Thursday, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.
EDGE Analysis
Stephenson has been battling shoulder soreness since the beginning of camp, and he's missed all of the Angels' Cactus League games as a result. Considering Stephenson has yet to progress to facing hitters with just a week remaining before Opening Day, it is appearing increasingly likely that the right-hander begins the season on the injured list.

Robert Stephenson
RP LAA
Fri 3/15/24 12:55 PM

Manager Ron Washington said Stephenson continues to deal with right shoulder discomfort and may not be ready by Opening Day, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.
EDGE Analysis
The 31-year-old appeared back on track for a high-leverage role to start the season after being slowed early in camp by shoulder soreness, but the renewed discomfort puts his availability in jeopardy. Stephenson's outlook will depend on how quickly the issue subsides, but a trip to the injured list to begin the campaign wouldn't be surprising.

Robert Stephenson
RP LAA
Wed 3/6/24 11:43 AM

Angels manager Ron Washington said Wednesday that Stephenson (shoulder) will have time to get the appearances he needs in order to be ready for Opening Day, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.
EDGE Analysis
The right-hander is working his way back from a sore pitching shoulder, but it sounds like he'll be part of the Halos' Opening Day bullpen. Stephenson will throw a bullpen session Wednesday and, assuming that goes off without a hitch, he will throw off the mound again this weekend. If healthy, Stephenson is slated for setup duties ahead of closer Carlos Estevez.

Robert Stephenson
RP LAA
Thu 2/29/24 11:35 AM

Stephenson (shoulder) admitted Thursday that he's not sure he'll be ready in time for Opening Day, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.
EDGE Analysis
Stephenson was able to play catch Wednesday as he works his way back from right shoulder soreness. While the reliever is confident he'll be pitching in Cactus League games before the schedule runs out, he's less certain about getting in enough work to be ready by March 28. The good news is that this does not currently appear to be a long-term injury, rather Stephenson could just need more time to be fully ramped up. The setup man was signed to a three-year, $33 million contract in January.

Robert Stephenson
RP LAA
Wed 2/28/24 11:04 AM

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.

Robert Stephenson
RP LAA
Fri 1/19/24 9:39 PM

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.