Angels Pitcher Robert Stephenson Out for Season with Elbow Injury

33-year-old reliever to undergo surgery, miss remainder of 2026 campaign

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:23pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring fragmented, geometric shapes in shades of blue and gray, representing the motion and energy of a baseball pitcher's throwing motion.An abstract, deconstructed illustration captures the frustration of the Angels' bullpen struggles as they lose veteran pitcher Robert Stephenson to another season-ending injury.Today in Pittsburgh

Los Angeles Angels right-handed pitcher Robert Stephenson will miss the rest of the 2026 season after undergoing elbow surgery, manager Kurt Suzuki confirmed on Wednesday. Stephenson, a 33-year-old veteran, has struggled with injuries in recent years, including missing the entire 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery.

Why it matters

Stephenson's injury is a significant blow to the Angels' bullpen as they aim to contend in the AL West. The former first-round pick has been unable to stay healthy since signing a three-year, $33 million contract with the team prior to the 2024 season. His absence will force the Angels to rely more heavily on their other relievers as they try to keep pace in the division.

The details

Stephenson has pitched just 10 innings for the Angels over the past two seasons due to various elbow and biceps issues. He made 12 appearances in 2025, going 2-0 with a 2.70 ERA, 10 strikeouts and 3 walks. A first-round pick by the Cincinnati Reds in 2011, Stephenson is 19-20 with a 4.59 ERA and 3 saves in 283 career games (22 starts) across stints with the Reds, Colorado Rockies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Tampa Bay Rays and Angels.

  • Stephenson underwent elbow surgery on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
  • He will miss the remainder of the 2026 MLB season.

The players

Robert Stephenson

A 33-year-old right-handed pitcher who has spent 10 seasons in the major leagues, including the past three with the Los Angeles Angels.

Kurt Suzuki

The manager of the Los Angeles Angels.

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What they’re saying

“Robert Stephenson underwent elbow surgery and will miss the rest of the season.”

— Kurt Suzuki, Manager, Los Angeles Angels

What’s next

The Angels will need to rely on their other relievers to fill the void left by Stephenson's absence for the remainder of the 2026 season as they try to contend in the AL West.

The takeaway

Stephenson's latest injury setback is a frustrating development for the Angels, who were hoping the veteran right-hander could provide stability and experience in their bullpen this season. His inability to stay healthy has been a recurring issue, and the team will now have to find other options to fill his role.