In 2024, bullpen pitcher Robert Stephenson signed a three-year, $33 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels, hoping to make an immediate impression in Anaheim. After a stellar 2023 season with the Tampa Bay Rays and Pittsburgh Pirates, he was paid. With a 3.10 ERA and 140 ERA+ in 52.2 innings worked, Stephenson had a stellar season.
He has not yet made his debut, which is unfortunate for Stephenson and the Angels. It was announced during 2024’s Spring Training that Stephenson would require Tommy John surgery and would be sidelined for the whole season. Given that Tommy John usually takes 12 to 18 months to recuperate, his 2025 season was also called into question.
A recent favorable update on the thirty-two-year-old was sent to the Angels. The Orange County Register’s Jeff Fletcher reported on a significant development in Robertson’s rehabilitation.
“Right-hander Robert Stephenson, who is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, has been doing ‘up-down’ bullpen sessions, in which he takes breaks to simulate throwing multiple innings,” he stated.
Stephenson hasn’t pitched an inning for the Angels since he signed with them. But he has pitched well throughout his career. Stephenson has a 2.55 SO/BB ratio, a 1.337 WHIP, and a career ERA of 4.64.
In his ten years in the major leagues, Stephenson will throw for the fifth team, the Angels. It is hoped that he will be fully into the swing of things by the summer, and he is eligible to return from Tommy John Surgery in late May.
