Angels get season-ending injury update on $33 million reliever

The Los Angeles Angels signed a plethora of veteran arms during the offseason. 

They took a chance on veterans like Drew Pomeranz and Jordan Romano, among several other pitchers who are looking to revive their careers. 

One of the Angels' significant free agent signings from a few years ago has not worked out according to plan. Right-hander Robert Stephenson, who signed a three-year, $33 million pact with the AL West club before the 2024 season, has dealt with multiple injuries throughout his tenure with the organization. 

Stephenson underwent Tommy John Surgery in 2024 and made just 12 appearances in 2025. Now, the former top prospect has undergone elbow surgery and will miss the remainder of the year, according to MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger. 

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"As of about a month ago, he was throwing and seemed on a path to being healthy in 2026," Darragh McDonald of MLB Trade Rumors wrote Wednesday. "But about three weeks ago, he suffered a setback and relayed that he had apparently suffered damage to his ulnar collateral ligament and flexor muscle. Yet another surgery means that he’s going to miss a full season for the second time in three years." 

Stephenson had a breakout season with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2023, striking out 42.9% of the batters he faced while allowing just 18 hits in 38.1 innings. 

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