AL West Check-In: Key Angels reliever out for season

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Los Angeles Angels right-hander Robert Stephenson will miss the 2026 season after having ligament and flexor tendon repair surgery on his right elbow.

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It is the continuation of injury woes for Stephenson, who was expected to be one of the team’s top relievers after signing a three-year, $33 million deal in January 2024. He missed the 2024 season after undergoing an ulnar collateral ligament repair with an internal brace in May 2024.

Stephenson was limited to 12 games in 2025 after he was diagnosed with a stretched biceps nerve.

Stephenson, 33, had a setback in spring training after attempting to pitch through thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms he experienced in the offseason.

Angels manager Kurt Suzuki told MLB.com before Wednesday’s 8-2 loss to the Atlanta Braves that Stephenson’s latest setback was heartbreaking.

“This guy wants to pitch, this guy wants to be good,” Suzuki said. “Up until he had that setback in spring training, he was in a good spot mentally. He was excited, he was happy to be back on the mound. So this is heartbreaking.”

Stephenson, who made his major league debut with Cincinnati in 2016, has a 4.69 ERA in nine seasons.

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