Angels High-Paid Reliever Has No Timetable For Return, Hoping to Be Back Opening Day
The Los Angeles Angels are still waiting to see their high-paid signing of this winter, reliever Robert Stephenson. He has been out dealing with a shoulder injury, and right now he has no official timetable for return.
Stephenson has not pitched this spring yet, but he is progressing well in his recovery from his injury. He said that he may be able to pitch enough to get himself ready for Opening Day.
"Right-hander Robert Stephenson (shoulder) said he is feeling “pretty good” and “moving in the right direction.” Stephenson said he’s expecting to throw another bullpen session later this week. He isn’t sure how soon he’ll be able to pitch in an exhibition game, but it’s “definitely possible” that he’ll get enough innings in the spring to be ready for opening day."
When the Angels signed Stephenson, they had big plans for him in their bullpen. To date, he is their biggest signing of the offseason, so the hope is that he will indeed be fully good to go for their opener.
“I’m not exactly sure of the timetable at the moment, but that’s the plan, to be ready for opening day,” Stephenson said.
Last season, Stephenson split time between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Tampa Bay Rays. He was much more effective with Tampa Bay, posting an ERA of 2.35 in 42 appearances.
Hopefully, he can make his way back into the bullpen soon to give himself enough time to get up to game speed. The Halos need him in their bullpen going forward and fans have been anxiously waiting to see their big signing take the mound.
