Robert

Stephenson

The deal is now official. Romano heads to Los Angeles as a potential closer alternative in case hard-throwing youngster Ben Joyce isn’t ready to roll after missing nearly all of last season with a shoulder ailment. He’ll be in the mix for high-leverage opportunities with Robert Stephenson and Drew Pomeranz at the outset of the year. The 32-year-old former Blue Jays stopper fell apart last season in his Phillies debut, posting a calamitous 8.23 ERA — 5.39 FIP — and 47/17 K/BB ratio across 42 2/3 innings over 49 appearances. He’s a worthwhile low-risk gamble for the Angels in the event that he’s able to rediscover his previously elite form. He can be left on the waiver wire in most fantasy leagues heading into next season.

Pomeranz will be in the mix for high-leverage innings with the Angels alongside Robert Stephenson, Jordan Romano and Ben Joyce (shoulder). He’ll vulture the occasional matchup-dependent save but is unlikely to emerge as Los Angeles’ primary stopper. The 37-year-old southpaw was an unexpected revelation for the Cubs this past season, registering a sparkling 2.17 ERA — 3.36 FIP — and 57/15 K/BB ratio across 49 2/3 innings over 57 appearances, during his first stint back in the majors since 2021.

The 32-year-old right-hander has been shelved now with several arm-related injuries this season. He pitched well when he was able to take the mound — posting a 2.70 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and a 10/3 K/BB ratio over 10 innings of work in 12 appearances. Sam Bachman was recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake to take his place in the Halos’ bullpen.

Stephenson will make his triumphant return to the Angels’ bullpen on Friday evening after missing a couple of months with a stretched nerve in his biceps. Before being shelved, the 32-year-old hurler had struck out two batters over one perfect inning of work with the Halos.

Stephenson averaged just 93.8 mph with his fastball last night, down from 98.5 mph in his one major league appearance this season and 96.9 mph pre-Tommy John surgery in 2023. The Angels will probably want to give him a couple of more appearances to build up before activating him.

Nothing has changed in the prognosis for the 32-year-old hurler, who is dealing with a stretched nerve in his biceps, this was done as a procedural move to free up a spot on the team’s 40-man roster for José Quijada on Thursday. There’s still no clear timetable on when Stephenson may resume throwing.

Stephenson instead is dealing with a stretched nerve. The right-hander was placed on the 15-day injured list Monday, and he told reporters Saturday that the only treatment is rest. There’s no timetable for when Stephenson will be ready for return, but it’s likely this will be longer than a two-week minimum absence.

Stephenson was hurt in his second MLB appearance since returning from Tommy John surgery. The Angels thought it was a day-to-day problem, but he’ll be down for at least two weeks now.

It certainly didn’t look good when Stephenson exited Friday’s relief appearance after just three pitches with bicep discomfort. It was his second outing back after an extended absence recovering from Tommy John surgery. The positive news here is that he’s feeling better and might wind up avoiding a trip back to the injured list.

You just hate to see it. The 32-year-old hurler was just activated from the injured list on Wednesday following a lengthy recovery from Tommy John surgery. Hopefully it’s not something catastrophic and arm related. Look for the Angels to provide an update on his status shortly.