Robert Stephenson Injury Update: Angels Confirm Latest Return Timeline for 2026 Spring Training

The Los Angeles Angels have officially shared a long-awaited Robert Stephenson injury update, giving clarity on the reliever’s future heading into 2026. General manager Perry Minasian confirmed that Stephenson is expected to be available at the start of spring training after dealing with right elbow inflammation late in the 2025 season.

The announcement ends months of uncertainty surrounding the veteran right-hander, whose injury history includes multiple setbacks and prior Tommy John surgery. The Angels also need bullpen stability as they attempt to break their 11-year playoff drought under new manager Kurt Suzuki.

Robert Stephenson Injury Update: What the Angels Confirmed

Stephenson spent most of his Angels tenure on the injured list and missed significant time during both the 2024 and 2025 seasons. The latest issue came from right elbow inflammation that forced him to shut things down for the final month of 2025. Minasian stated that Stephenson took a month after the season to evaluate all medical options before opting for rest and recovery, which has now been deemed successful.

The 32-year-old did not pitch at all in 2024 due to recovering from Tommy John surgery, which made his 2025 workload even more delicate. He finally returned on May 28, 2025, throwing a perfect inning against the New York Yankees. But in his second outing, he exited after just three pitches and went right back on the injured list.

Stephenson rejoined the bullpen in late August and pitched in 10 additional games before another shutdown period. In total, he appeared in 12 games for the Angels in 2025, logging 10 innings with a 2.70 ERA, 10 strikeouts, a .165 batting average against, and a standout 0.88 WHIP — the lowest of his career.

His 2023 performance with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Tampa Bay Rays is what led the Angels to sign him to a three-year, $33 million deal. That season, he posted a 2.35 ERA with the Rays across 42 appearances and struck out 60 hitters in just 38.1 innings. Those strong numbers make the Angels hopeful that he can rediscover his form in the final year of his current contract.

According to previous injury coverage from the Associated Press and analysis from major baseball reporters, the Angels’ bullpen depth has remained one of the team’s biggest concerns. Stephenson’s expected availability for spring training is a rare piece of encouraging news for a roster desperately needing healthy arms.

For Angels fans, this update signals progress at a position that has repeatedly struggled with inconsistency. A fully healthy Stephenson could give the team a late-inning weapon and improve pitching stability heading into a crucial year.

How This Update Shapes the Angels’ 2026 Plans

The Angels have endured years of roster instability, and Stephenson’s situation has been one of the most talked-about bullpen storylines. If he enters camp healthy, the team gains a proven veteran with swing-and-miss ability — something they lacked throughout 2025.

The Angels will also approach Stephenson’s workload carefully, given his long list of setbacks. His performance could determine whether Los Angeles finds bullpen reliability early or faces another year of mid-season reshuffling. Suzuki will prioritize building a bullpen that can protect leads after years of late-inning collapses.

As the franchise enters a pivotal season, the Robert Stephenson injury update provides relief and optimism. The Angels need consistent contributors, and a healthy Stephenson could become one of the most important players on the roster in 2026.

The Angels now head into spring training with renewed confidence, and Stephenson has a chance to rewrite his tenure in Anaheim. The latest Robert Stephenson injury update sets the stage for a fresh comeback during a crucial season for the franchise.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the latest Robert Stephenson injury update?

The Angels confirmed Stephenson is expected to be ready for the start of 2026 spring training after recovering from right elbow inflammation.

Q2: Did Robert Stephenson pitch in 2025?

He pitched 12 games in 2025, posting a 2.70 ERA before returning to the injured list late in the season.

Q3: How long is Robert Stephenson’s Angels contract?

Stephenson signed a three-year, $33 million deal before the 2024 season. The 2026 season is his final contract year.

Q4: How did Stephenson perform before joining the Angels?

He excelled in 2023, especially with Tampa Bay, where he posted a 2.35 ERA and 60 strikeouts in 38.1 innings.

Q5: Will the Angels rely on Stephenson in 2026?

Yes. If healthy, he is expected to play a key bullpen role as the Angels aim to end their postseason drought.