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.

It’s a procedural move as Stephenson is going to miss all of the 2024 season after undergoing season-ending elbow surgery. The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster, and the Angels are using it to select the contract of Ehire Adrianza.