ANAHEIM, Calif. — After signing a $33 million, three-year contract 16 months ago, reliever Robert Stephenson finally made his pitching debut for the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday night. He was activated off the injured list to pitch in the series finale against the New York Yankees, marking his first appearance since undergoing elbow surgery in May 2024.
Stephenson, who missed the entire previous season following an ulnar collateral ligament repair with an internal brace, delivered a perfect sixth inning by striking out the first two batters he faced. His return brings a boost to the Angels’ bullpen, which had struggled this season.
Adjustments in Angels’ Roster: Anderson Designated for Assignment
Alongside Stephenson’s return, the Angels purchased the contract of utility player Scott Kingery from Triple-A Salt Lake, reinforcing their roster depth. Meanwhile, veteran infielder Tim Anderson, a two-time All-Star who had hit .205 in 31 games this season, was designated for assignment. Reliever Jake Eder was sent down to Salt Lake as part of the roster moves.
Stephenson Reflects on His Return
Stephenson expressed how meaningful it was to be back after his long rehabilitation.
“Honestly, to me, this is up there with making my (big league) debut, you know?”
he said before the game.
“I feel like it’s going to be pretty special for me. … It felt different walking into the clubhouse. Like, I can actually contribute something.”
Impact on Angels’ Bullpen and Future Role
Before his injury, Stephenson had demonstrated strong performance with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2023, finishing with a 3-1 record and a 2.35 ERA over 42 games, striking out 60 while walking only eight. The Angels’ bullpen has had the worst ERA in the major leagues at 6.31, made worse by the loss of setup man Ben Joyce to season-ending shoulder surgery.
Stephenson’s effective mix of a 97 mph fastball, a sharp 85 mph slider, and an 89 mph splitter should enhance the team’s setup role. Though manager Ron Washington intends to ease Stephenson back into his rotations, he did not exclude the possibility that Stephenson could be assigned key high-leverage innings soon.
“I want to give him a chance to get settled in,”
Washington said,
“but if the opportunity presents itself (in a high-leverage spot) and he’s the best we have at the time, it will happen.”
What This Means for the Angels Moving Forward
Stephenson’s arrival is a significant development for the Angels, as their pitching staff looks to stabilize after a difficult start to the season. With Tim Anderson designated for assignment, the team is shifting personnel to better meet current competitive needs. The move signals a renewed focus on strengthening the bullpen, which remains vital for the team’s success in upcoming games.