Stephenson is progressing towards a return to game action as he completes his lengthy rehabilitation process from last April’s Tommy John surgery. The 32-year-old figures to be ready to return to the Angels’ bullpen at some point around midseason.

Stephenson underwent Tommy John surgery back in April of 2024, and won’t be ready for the start of the season. Once healthy, he’ll be a bridge to Kenley Jansen, and Jansen’s signing is now official because they cleared room on the 40-man roster with Stephenson placed on the 60-day shelf.

It’s not a huge surprise since Stephenson underwent Tommy John surgery in April of last season, but this is the first confirmation that we’re hearing. The 31-year-old signed a three-year, $33 million contract last offseason after re-inventing himself in Tampa Bay and posting a 2.35 ERA, 0.68 WHIP, and 60/8 K/BB ratio in 38 1/3 innings. Stephenson figures to be back in action by the summer and could emerge as a late-inning option if Ben Joyce is unable to hold down the job.

Stephenson was set to undergo season-ending surgery, but the exact procedure remained a mystery until now. The 31-year-old righty, who signed a three-year, $33 million contract back in January, is likely to wind up missing the majority of the 2025 campaign.