Los Angeles Angels confirmed right‑hander Robert Stephenson will miss the 2026 season after undergoing ligament and flexor‑tendon repair on his right elbow. The 33‑year‑old was slated to anchor the bullpen following a $33 million three‑year contract signed in January 2024. His absence comes as the club fell 8‑2 to the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday in a disappointing home outing.

Stephenson’s 2024 campaign ended prematurely after an ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction with an internal brace in May, forcing him to miss the entire year. Limited to just 12 appearances in 2025, he later dealt with a stretched biceps nerve and attempted a comeback despite lingering thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms. Manager Kurt Suzuki called the latest setback heartbreaking for the team.

Across nine major‑league seasons, Stephenson posted a 4.69 ERA, but recurring injuries have eroded his value as a late‑inning stabilizer. With the bullpen already thin, the Angels must rely on younger arms and potential trade acquisitions to fill the void. Stephenson’s season‑ending surgery leaves the club’s relief corps in a precarious state for the remainder of the campaign this year.