Angels Pitcher Faces Lengthy Injury Layoff

Robert Stephenson to miss 2026 season after elbow surgery

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:21am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fragmented motion of a baseball pitcher, rendered in muted tones that convey a sense of disappointment and uncertainty.Stephenson's latest injury setback casts a cloud over the Angels' bullpen plans for the 2026 season.Los Angeles Today

Los Angeles Angels right-hander Robert Stephenson will miss the entire 2026 MLB season following ligament and flexor tendon repair surgery on his right elbow. The 33-year-old had already been placed on the 60-day injured list during Spring Training with elbow inflammation.

Why it matters

Stephenson's absence continues a troubling pattern since he signed a three-year, $33 million contract ahead of the 2024 season. Injuries have prevented him from becoming the high-leverage reliever the Angels envisioned, raising concerns about the team's bullpen depth.

The details

Across the first two years of his contract, Stephenson has pitched just 10 innings, all of which came in 2025. He missed the entire 2024 campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery in May, and his 2025 season was limited to 12 appearances due to a combination of biceps inflammation, nerve irritation, and recurring elbow issues.

  • Stephenson was placed on the 60-day injured list during Spring Training 2026 with elbow inflammation.
  • Stephenson underwent ligament and flexor tendon repair surgery on his right elbow in April 2026.

The players

Robert Stephenson

A 33-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels who has struggled with injuries since signing a three-year, $33 million contract in 2024.

Jordan Romano

The Angels' current closer, who has stepped into the role in Stephenson's absence.

Ryan Zeferjahn

A relief pitcher for the Angels who will be relied upon to help fill the void left by Stephenson's injury.

Chase Silseth

A relief pitcher for the Angels who will be relied upon to help fill the void left by Stephenson's injury.

Sam Bachman

A relief pitcher for the Angels who will be relied upon to help fill the void left by Stephenson's injury.

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What’s next

The Angels will need to rely on their bullpen depth, including Jordan Romano, Ryan Zeferjahn, Chase Silseth, and Sam Bachman, to fill the void left by Stephenson's absence. Veteran pitchers Drew Pomeranz and Brent Suter will also provide left-handed depth, while Kirby Yates works to return from a knee injury.

The takeaway

Stephenson's latest injury setback highlights the ongoing challenges the Angels have faced in building a reliable bullpen. The team's decision on his 2027 contract option will depend on whether he can overcome his persistent elbow issues and regain the form that made him a valuable late-inning reliever.