Stephenson prepping for Opening Day after two injury-plagued seasons

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Right-hander Robert Stephenson took a big step in his bid to get ready for Opening Day, as he faced hitters for the first time this spring.

Stephenson, who has been dealing with elbow and forearm issues over the last two seasons, looked sharp, hitting 95 miles per hour with his fastball and getting several swings and misses with his slider and splitter. He’s likely to face hitters at least one more time before he gets into a Cactus League game and believes he remains on track for the regular-season opener against the Astros on March 26.

“It’s a huge step, obviously,” Stephenson said. “I don't know how many of these we're gonna do, but that's another step closer to getting in games. And I still feel like I'm perfectly on pace to be able to get enough games in and be ready for Opening Day, which is the No. 1 priority.”

Stephenson, 33, has dealt with a plethora of injuries with the Angels over the last two years, including missing the 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He returned last May, but after just two appearances, he was diagnosed with a nerve issue in his biceps that caused him to be out until late August. And in late September, he saw his season end because of right elbow inflammation.

It also wasn’t an ideal offseason, as he said he had nerve issues and symptoms related to thoracic outlet syndrome but did not need surgery. Stephenson said he came into camp feeling healthy and believes those issues can be managed.

He said he has not had any issues flare up this spring and is now working to refine his pitches before he gets into games.

“I still feel like there's a little polishing to do,” Stephenson said. “Had a couple uncompetitive pitches, but overall, for the first time facing hitters, I'm pretty happy with how it went. Everything felt good, physically. So that's all I can ask for.”

If Stephenson can get ready for Opening Day, it would be a huge boost for the bullpen and he could even potentially serve as closer. When healthy, Stephenson has pitched well, including a 2.70 ERA with 10 strikeouts in 10 innings last year. He was dominant in '23 after joining the Rays via a trade with the Pirates, as he posted a 2.35 ERA with 60 strikeouts in 38 1/3 innings down the stretch that year.

It led to the Angels signing him to a three-year deal worth $33 million before the ’24 season that included an injury clause that triggered a $2.5 million option for 2027. Stephenson is the highest-paid reliever among veterans like Kirby Yates ($5M), Drew Pomeranz ($4M), Jordan Romano ($2M), and Brent Suter ($1.25M).

Manager Kurt Suzuki said he’d like to have a closer emerge from that group but is also open to mixing and matching until someone asserts himself.

Flamethrower Ben Joyce could also find himself in that mix but is coming off shoulder surgery in May and is behind Stephenson’s progression. Joyce threw a bullpen on Friday but only with fastballs and changeups and isn’t sure when he’ll progress to facing hitters or if he’ll be ready for Opening Day just yet.

“I don’t know, but I don't want to put any limits on anything,” Joyce said. “I’d really love to give you all the answers and be able to tell you, but I don't know for sure.”

Angels tidbits

• A contingent of Angels players and coaches departed for Las Vegas on Friday for Saturday and Sunday’s exhibition games against the Athletics at Las Vegas Ballpark. Catcher Logan O'Hoppe, first baseman Nolan Schanuel and outfielder Jo Adell are among the regulars going on the trip. Suzuki will stay back for the Cactus League games.
• Josh Lowe took dry swings for the first time since injuring his left oblique on a throw on Feb. 25 and said it went well. He said he was recently sick, which was a minor setback, but that he’s making solid progress and believes it’s a minor injury.
• Right-hander José Fermin and lefty Jayvien Sandridge were both competing for spots in the bullpen but struggled and were optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake on Friday. Fermin showed some promise with a 4.46 ERA in 34 1/3 innings as a rookie last year but had a 12.27 ERA in four spring outings. Sandridge, acquired in a trade with the Yankees, allowed five runs in two innings this spring.