Stephenson (elbow surgery) out for '26 as injury woes continue

ANAHEIM -- The Angels’ bullpen was dealt a big blow, as right-hander Robert Stephenson underwent ligament and flexor tendon repair surgery and will miss the 2026 season, the club announced before Wednesday’s game against the Braves.

It’s yet another injury for Stephenson, who signed a three-year, $33 million deal before the 2024 season but pitched a combined 10 innings since then with all 10 coming last year. Stephenson previously missed the ’24 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery and dealt with nerve irritation last year that limited him to 12 appearances. In the offseason, he also had thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms but believed he could pitch through it before suffering a setback during Spring Training that ultimately required another operation.

“This guy wants to pitch, this guy wants to be good,” manager Kurt Suzuki said. “Up until he had that setback in Spring Training, he was in a good spot mentally. He was excited, he was happy to be back on the mound. So this is heartbreaking. You think about the feelings of the player. That's the first thing for me. All the stuff that he's been through and for it to happen again, it definitely hits you.”

Because of the time he missed due to injuries, the Angels do have a $2.5 million option for next season, but it seems unlikely to be picked up because of his injury concerns.

Stephenson, 33, posted a 2.70 ERA with 10 strikeouts and three walks in 10 innings last year and was expected to be a big part of the bullpen this year and even possibly serve as closer. He was signed after an impressive showing with the Rays in ’23, as he came over in a trade with the Pirates and posted a 2.35 ERA with 60 strikeouts in 38 1/3 innings to finish his season with a 3.10 ERA and 77 strikeouts in 52 1/3 frames.

With Stephenson out for the season, right-hander Jordan Romano has stepped up as closer and entered Wednesday with four saves and a 0.00 ERA in five innings. Right-hander Kirby Yates is also on the 15-day injured list with left knee inflammation but threw to hitters for the first time on Tuesday and could be nearing a rehab assignment.

Otherwise, other right-handed relievers like Ryan Zeferjahn, Chase Silseth and Sam Bachman will need to continue to step it up along with veteran lefties Drew Pomeranz and Brent Suter.

“He definitely would have been one of our key guys,” Suzuki said. “So anytime it is a guy like Bob, it’s tough. But you just got to figure out a way to get it done.”