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Robert Stephenson to Face Live Hitters on Friday
Los Angeles Angels right-handed reliever Robert Stephenson (shoulder) will face live hitters in camp for the first time this spring on Friday, according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com. It's a big step for Stephenson, who still believes that he'll be ready for Opening Day later this month. The 33-year-old veteran missed all of the 2024 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery and made only 12 appearances for the Halos last year due to thoracic outlet syndrome and nerve issues in his shoulder. Stephenson had a 2.70 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and 10:3 K:BB in his 10 innings a year ago. The Angels don't have a set closer going into the 2026 regular season, so there's a chance Stephenson could rack up some save opportunities if he's healthy. However, he has only three career saves, making Kirby Yates and Ben Joyce (shoulder) more likely candidates for ninth-inning work.
Source: MLB.com - Rhett Bollinger
Source: MLB.com - Rhett Bollinger
