Robert

Stephenson

This isn’t a big surprise, as Suárez was just activated off the injured list Friday after missing 25 games with his oblique strain. He’ll get the second half of the twin-billing off with JJ Bleday in the lineup as the designated hitter. Spencer Steer and Tyler Stephenson are also out of action with Nathaniel Lowe and P.J. Higgins getting the starts in their absence.

Stephenson had already been on the 60-day IL, but now we know he did, in fact, undergo surgery. It’s been an unfortunate series of events for Stephenson since he had a breakout with the Rays in the second half of the 2023 season. He has pitched just 10 innings since then.

Stephenson is dealing with potential UCL damage and could be facing season-ending surgery. The 33-year-old high-leverage reliever is hoping to avoid a major procedure and be able to pitch at some point later this year. There should be a clearer picture regarding his immediate outlook at some point in the near future.

It’s a potential worst-case scenario and a crushing blow for Stephenson, who previously underwent Tommy John surgery back in 2024. The 33-year-old veteran reliever suffered a setback earlier this week after experiencing nerve issue and thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms during the offseason. He’ll visit with Dr. Meister to evaluate his options and determine whether he’ll be able to pitch at all this season. The most likely outcome is some kind of surgical procedure if he’s dealing with UCL damage. He’s no longer in the mix to close for the Angels with Kirby Yates, Jordan Romano and Drew Pomeranz the leading candidates.

The 33-year-old hurler will undergo further evaluation. Talent has never been in question for Stephenson, it’s his inability to stay on the field that has been frustrating. He had been in the running to open the season as the team’s closer, which could now open the door for Kirby Yates to assume the ninth inning role.

Stephenson hovered around 94-95 mph with his four-seam fastball, which is fine. He sat 97 in his breakout season with the Rays, but Stephenson is still working his way back to 100 percent. He will likely progress to a spring training game soon and remains optimistic that he could be ready for Opening Day, where he would serve as the Angels’ closer to begin the year.

Stephenson still believes he’s on track to pitch Opening Day. His throwing progression has gone well after he threw off a mound this week for the first time, and now it’s on to hitters. If it continues, he should start appearing in Spring Training games towards the end of the month.

Stephenson entered camp roughly a week behind the other pitchers after ending the 2025 season on the injured list due to inflammation in his pitching elbow. When healthy, he certainly has the stuff do get outs in the ninth inning, though he’ll need to figure out a way to stay off of the injured list if he’s going to challenge for save chances at the back end of the Halos’ bullpen.

Assuming that holds up, Stephenson could figure into the Angels closing plans. Stephenson did not pitch in 2024 and managed just 12 appearances in 2025, where he had a 2.70 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in 10 innings off a return from the 60-day injured list. He was re-shelved in September. Stephenson is fragile enough that we probably shouldn’t invest a high-round pick in him, but he has the stuff to close if his arm is up to the task.

Kirby Yates, Robert Stephenson and Jordan Romano seem best positioned entering spring training. Ben Joyce, who is returning from shoulder surgery, also hasn’t been ruled out for Opening Day just yet. “We definitely have options,” Suzuki said. “We have guys that have done it before at a high level. And I think the benefit for us is we have options and we can be flexible. But in that ninth inning, I wouldn’t put a name out there to be our closer right now.”