Los Angeles Angels reliever Robert Stephenson is dealing with another elbow injury that threatens his 2026 season. The 33-year-old right-hander will be examined by Dr. Keith Meister, the same orthopedist who performed internal brace surgery on his UCL in May 2024. Stephenson signed a $33 million, three-year contract with the Angels in January 2024 but has appeared in just 12 games due to recurring arm issues.

Stephenson's injury history includes missing most of 2024 after his initial UCL surgery, then returning on May 28, 2025. After two appearances, he went back on the injured list with right biceps inflammation before finally returning to the mound on August 22. "There is a concern for the state of my UCL right now," Stephenson said, though he still hopes to pitch this season. The veteran has a 19-20 record with a 4.59 ERA and 416 strikeouts over nine major league seasons.

Meanwhile, the Angels optioned 23-year-old infielder Christian Moore to Triple-A Salt Lake. Moore, the No. 8 overall draft pick in 2023, hit just .198 with seven home runs in 53 major league games last season. The team faces second base competition between Nick Madrigal, Adam Frazier, Chris Taylor, Oswald Peraza, and Vaughn Grissom, with Grissom and Peraza out of options and potentially exposed to waivers.