Robert Stephenson to Miss 2026 Season as Angels Face Bullpen Setback

The Los Angeles Angels suffered a major setback ahead of their game against the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday, as the organization announced that right-handed reliever Robert Stephenson will miss the entire 2026 season. The veteran underwent surgery to repair damage to his right elbow, including both ligament and flexor tendon issues.

Stephenson had already been placed on the 60-day injured list during Spring Training due to recurring elbow inflammation. The latest procedure confirms a season-long absence, further delaying any attempt to re-establish himself as a high-leverage bullpen arm.

The 33-year-old’s injury continues a difficult stretch since he signed a three-year, $33 million deal ahead of the 2024 season. Since joining the Angels, he has been unable to consistently contribute at the major league level due to a series of arm-related setbacks.

With another full season lost, Stephenson’s future with the organization and his long-term durability have become central questions for the Angels moving forward.

1. A Contract Marked By Injuries

Stephenson’s time with the Angels has been defined more by rehabilitation than availability. Across the first two seasons of his contract, he has totaled just 10 innings pitched at the major league level. He missed the entire 2024 campaign following Tommy John surgery performed in May of that year. That recovery process already placed him behind schedule before further complications emerged. In 2025, Stephenson returned briefly but was limited to 12 appearances due to a combination of biceps inflammation, nerve irritation, and recurring elbow discomfort. While he showed flashes of effectiveness, consistent availability remained out of reach. His 2025 line included a 2.70 ERA with 10 strikeouts and three walks across 10 innings, but the sample size was too small to re-establish a stable bullpen role.

2. Setbacks Despite Strong Previous Form

The Angels’ decision to sign Stephenson was heavily influenced by his dominant 2023 campaign, which established him as one of the most effective relievers available at the time. His performance that season raised expectations for a late-inning bullpen anchor. In 2023, he posted a 2.35 ERA and a 0.67 WHIP after joining the Tampa Bay Rays, striking out 60 batters in just 38 1/3 innings. His dominance continued across the full season, where he finished with a 3.10 ERA and 77 strikeouts in 52 1/3 innings. That year also featured elite underlying metrics, including a 180 ERA+ and a strikeout rate approaching 43 percent, making him one of the most efficient high-leverage relievers in baseball. Those numbers ultimately formed the foundation of the Angels’ multi-year investment, but injuries have prevented him from replicating that level of performance in Anaheim.

3. Bullpen Adjustments And Next Steps

Stephenson’s absence forces the Angels to continue reshaping their bullpen hierarchy early in the 2026 season. The team has already begun adjusting roles to account for his loss. Jordan Romano has stepped into the closer role, opening the year with four saves and a 0.00 ERA over his first five innings of work. His early performance has helped stabilize the late innings. Behind him, the Angels are leaning on a mix of emerging and established arms, including Ryan Zeferjahn, Chase Silseth, and Sam Bachman. Veterans Drew Pomeranz and Brent Suter provide additional left-handed depth in matchup situations. Meanwhile, Kirby Yates is progressing through his recovery from a knee injury and could begin a rehab assignment soon, offering another potential reinforcement as the bullpen continues to adapt without Stephenson.