Angels Reliever Robert Stephenson Out for Season with Elbow Injury

Veteran right-hander to undergo ligament and flexor tendon repair surgery

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:51pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball pitcher's throwing motion broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in navy, green, and orange tones, conveying the complex physical stresses on a pitcher's arm.Stephenson's latest injury setback exposes the inherent fragility of pitchers' arms in the modern game.Anaheim Today

Los Angeles Angels pitcher Robert Stephenson will miss the 2026 MLB season after undergoing surgery to repair a ligament and flexor tendon in his right elbow. This is the latest setback in Stephenson's injury-plagued career, as he has dealt with various arm issues over the past few seasons.

Why it matters

Stephenson was expected to be a key part of the Angels' bullpen this year after signing a lucrative three-year contract in 2024. His extended absence is a significant blow to the team's pitching depth and playoff aspirations for the upcoming season.

The details

Stephenson, 33, first underwent ulnar collateral ligament repair with an internal brace in May 2024, causing him to miss the entire 2024 season. He was limited to just 12 games in 2025 after being diagnosed with a stretched biceps nerve. This latest setback occurred during spring training when Stephenson experienced thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms.

  • Stephenson signed a three-year, $33 million contract with the Angels in January 2024.
  • He missed the entire 2024 season after undergoing UCL repair surgery in May 2024.
  • Stephenson was limited to 12 games in 2025 due to a stretched biceps nerve.
  • He experienced a setback with thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms during 2026 spring training.

The players

Robert Stephenson

A 33-year-old right-handed pitcher who has spent his 9-year MLB career with the Cincinnati Reds and Los Angeles Angels. He has a career 4.69 ERA.

Kurt Suzuki

The current manager of the Los Angeles Angels.

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What they’re saying

“This guy wants to pitch, this guy wants to be good. 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.”

— Kurt Suzuki, Angels Manager

What’s next

The Angels will need to find alternative options to fill the void left by Stephenson's absence in their bullpen for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Stephenson's latest injury setback is a significant blow to the Angels' pitching staff and playoff hopes for the upcoming season. The team's inability to keep the veteran reliever healthy over the past few years has been a persistent issue, raising questions about their depth and ability to overcome key player injuries.