Angels News: Latest Injury Update on Robert Stephenson
By Noah Camras
The Los Angeles Angels received some good news regarding one of their marquee offseason signings.
According to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com, right-handed relief pitcher Robert Stephenson is eyeing an April return.
Stephenson, 31, threw off a mound recently and everything went well. He utilized all his pitches during the session.
Robert Stephenson (shoulder) threw off a mound yesterday and hopes to be back by the end of April. He said he threw all of his pitches and it went well.
— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) March 30, 2024
In January, the Angels inked Stephenson to a three-year, $33 million contract. He would be the premier piece in an overhauled bullpen.
Unfortunately, Stephenson has been dealing with shoulder soreness since February. This has sidelined him since then, forcing him to miss all of spring training.
Shoulder injuries can be finicky so it’s important that the club doesn't rush him back. Still, a late April return is a much better outcome than some of the alternatives.
Last year, Stephenson had a 3.10 ERA with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Tampa Bay Rays. With the Rays, Stephenson turned his slider into a cutter and he transformed into one of the best relievers in baseball sporting a 2.35 ERA in 42 appearances.
The Angels are banking on him carrying this momentum into the new season. He can help shorten games for a team that does not always get quality length from their starting pitchers.