The Los Angeles Angels' bullpen has suffered a significant blow, as right-handed reliever Robert Stephenson will miss the entire 2026 season. The veteran pitcher recently underwent surgery to repair ligaments and a flexor tendon in his right elbow, a procedure that sidelines him for the coming year.

This latest setback is a brutal turn in what has been a frustrating chapter for Stephenson and the Angels. After signing a three-year, $33 million contract in January 2024 to be a key late-inning arm, his tenure has been defined by the trainer's room. He missed all of the 2024 season following an internal brace procedure on his UCL, and was limited to just 12 appearances in 2025 due to a biceps nerve issue.

The 2026 season was supposed to be a fresh start, but complications arose during spring training. Stephenson had been attempting to manage symptoms related to thoracic outlet syndrome, a challenging condition for any pitcher, which ultimately led to this new elbow injury and surgery.

Angels manager Kurt Suzuki expressed the collective disappointment, calling the situation "heartbreaking." He noted Stephenson's determined mindset, saying, "This guy wants to pitch, this guy wants to be good... He was excited, he was happy to be back on the mound."

For Stephenson, a nine-year MLB veteran who debuted with the Reds in 2016, the focus now shifts entirely to recovery. For the Angels, it means navigating another season without a pitcher they heavily invested in to stabilize their relief corps, a reminder of the physical toll and unpredictability inherent in the game.