Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said Sunday that Stephan (elbow) is "progressing well" and is expected to return to game activity at the organization's spring training complex in Arizona at some point in May, Michael Beaven of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stephan missed the entire 2024 season while recovering from UCL reconstruction surgery, which he underwent last March. Now more than a year removed from the procedure, Stephan has reached the point in his recovery program that he's facing hitters, and he'll likely soon test himself in a simulated-game setting in Arizona before reporting to an affiliate for a rehab assignment. The right-hander was a key piece of the Cleveland bullpen in his last healthy season in 2023, turning in a 4.06 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 75:26 K:BB while collecting seven wins, 30 holds and two saves over 71 appearances.

The Guardians transferred Stephan (elbow) to the 60-day injured list Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

The move frees a spot on the 40-man roster for Will Wilson, who was called up Tuesday. Stephan is still working his way back from UCL reconstruction surgery and the shift to the 60-day IL doesn't alter his timetable.

The Guardians placed Stephan (elbow) on the 15-day injured list Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Stephan has been throwing off a mound since the beginning of March, though he still has a long way to go in his rehab from UCL reconstruction surgery. Assuming the rest of his ramp-up process goes smoothly, he should return to Cleveland's bullpen within a few months.

Stephan (elbow) threw a bullpen session Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Saturday marks the first time Stephan has thrown off a mound this spring while he works his way back from UCL reconstruction surgery. He seems to be trending in the right direction but still has several boxes to check before being cleared for game action, which isn't likely to happen for another couple of months.

Stephan (elbow) is expected to begin throwing off a mound in late February.

EDGE Analysis

Stephan had right UCL reconstruction surgery last March and has progressed to throwing five days per week from 120 feet. There's no projected timetable yet for the reliever's return, but he seems likely to miss at least the first couple months of the season.

Stephan underwent surgery to repair his UCL on Wednesday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It was known that Stephan would require surgery, though the exact nature of the procedure was unclear. The team still didn't announce details, though he'll miss the entire 2024 campaign and could also miss a significant portion of 2025 as well.

Stephan will undergo surgery on his right elbow in the next week or two, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The specific procedure and a timetable aren't yet known, but Bell relays that Stephan's UCL was "not providing adequate stability," necessitating the need for the operation. More information on a recovery timeline for Stephan should be known once he goes under the knife, but unless he gets an arthroscopic procedure, the veteran reliever could miss the entire 2024 season. He had been slated to serve in a setup role ahead of closer Emmanuel Clase but should now be considered out indefinitely.

Stephan will be shut down for three weeks with a deep bone bruise in his right elbow, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Stephan's elbow is structurally sound, but the Guardians will shelve the reliever for a while to let him recover from the bone bruise. Considering that Opening Day is just over four weeks away, Stephan undoubtedly will require a stay on the injured list. The 28-year-old has been a key setup man for Cleveland, posting a 3.73 ERA and 27.5 percent strikeout rate over the last three seasons.

Stephan (7-7) allowed two runs on three hits and struck out one over one inning to earn the win despite taking a blown save Thursday versus the Orioles.

EDGE Analysis

Stephan allowed the Orioles to pull even in the top of the eighth inning, but the Guardians retook the lead a half-inning later. It's been a rough September for the setup man -- he's allowed 12 runs (11 earned) over 7.1 innings across eight appearances. He's now at a 3.97 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 71:25 K:BB with two saves, 29 holds and eight blown saves through 65.2 innings overall.

Stephan (6-7) allowed four runs (three earned) on three walks and a hit-by-pitch over two-thirds of an inning to take the loss Monday versus the Royals.

EDGE Analysis

Stephan couldn't find the strike zone, with just 12 of his 31 pitches landing for strikes in the wild outing. His poor showing allowed the Royals to rally in the eighth inning, though Enyel De Los Santos was tagged with the blown save after being unable to get the situation under control. Stephan has taken three losses while adding four holds over seven appearances in September, allowing 10 runs (nine earned) over 6.1 innings. He's at a 3.76 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 70:25 K:BB through 64.2 innings with two saves and 28 holds overall.