Angels' Injury-Plagued Robert Stephenson Dealt 'Heartbreaking' News

The Los Angeles Angels received brutal news this week, as reliever Robert Stephenson revealed he may be dealing with serious elbow damage that could once again sideline him for an extended period. 

The 33-year-old right-hander talked about the injury as “heartbreaking,” saying there are concerns surrounding his UCL and flexor tendon, and he will soon visit renowned surgeon Dr. Keith Meister to determine whether surgery can be avoided.

Robert Stephenson Injury Leaves Angels Facing Uncertainty

Stephenson entered spring training already trying to regain momentum after an injury-plagued stretch with the Angels. 

Signed to a three-year, $33 million contract before the 2024 season, the veteran reliever has appeared in only 12 games for Los Angeles, logging just 10 total innings across the past two seasons. 

Even so, those limited outings showed how effective he is when he's healthy, including a 2.70 ERA with a 23.8 percent strikeout rate in 2025 before elbow inflammation shut him down again.

I feel bad for Robert Stephenson, and you can actually sense some contrition from him— unlike a certain $245M player.

Obviously something popped up in his physical that caused the Angels to put an injury clause in his contract, but Perry proceeded to throw $33M down the drain. pic.twitter.com/FaJDKVqmCN

— BTH (@BeyondTheHalo) March 14, 2026

Now, another setback threatens to derail his comeback attempt entirely. 

Stephenson said the situation has been emotionally difficult after battling through multiple injuries over the past three years: “It’s three years and I’ve got 10 innings to my name,” Stephenson said. “It sucks. I just want to be on the field.” 

His upcoming evaluation will determine whether rehabilitation is possible or if another surgery becomes necessary.

Angels Bullpen Plans Shift After Stephenson News

This latest injury could force the Angels to lean heavily on their veteran bullpen additions early in the season. 

With Ben Joyce still working back from shoulder surgery and Stephenson now uncertain, the back end of the bullpen may fall to experienced arms like Kirby Yates and Drew Pomeranz, both of whom bring extensive closing experience.

Robert Stephenson facing hitters for the first time this spring. Bryce Teodosio is at the plate. Fastball velo around 94-95 mph. pic.twitter.com/as5zjWcAYw

— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) March 6, 2026

Over nine Major League seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, Colorado Rockies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Tampa Bay Rays, and Angels, Stephenson owns a 4.59 ERA with 416 strikeouts across 283 appearances. 

At his best, particularly during his dominant 2023 stretch with Tampa Bay (2.35 ERA, 60 SO in 38 IP), he looked like a late-inning weapon. 

Unfortunately for the Angels, injuries have prevented that version from consistently appearing in Anaheim.

Photo Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images