Guardians Reliever Trevor Stephan To Undergo Elbow Surgery
Back on February 28, it was announced that Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Trevor Stephan would be shut down for three weeks due to a deep bone bruise in his pitching elbow.
However, his injury has been diagnosed as something more serious.
On Thursday, the team shared that Stephan will be undergoing surgery on his right elbow’s ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) at some point within the next one-to-two weeks.
The Guardians explained that they came to this decision after the 28-year-old was examined by multiple medical doctors.
“After recent clinical examinations with Drs. Keith Meister and Neal ElAttrache, it has been determined that Trevor’s ulnar collateral ligament is not providing adequate stability, resulting in more stress to his bony anatomy. As a result of these opinions, Stephan will undergo UCL reconstruction in the next 7-to-14 days.”
Stephan has been one of Cleveland’s main bullpen arms since joining the team just before the 2021 season.
His 180 appearances for the Guardians over the past three seasons rank second on the team in this span. The right-hander also ranks among Cleveland relief pitchers in holds (50, first), strikeouts (232, first), innings pitched (195.2, second), and saves (six, third).
Jun 25, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Trevor Stephan (37) throws a pitch during the tenth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Progressive Field.
© Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
With Stephan injured and awaiting surgery, other Cleveland relief pitchers such as Scott Barlow, who was acquired this past November, will continue to have increased opportunities this spring to showcase their talents.
Stephan has yet to pitch in a 2024 Cactus League game, and the Guardians are hoping that his upcoming procedure will allow him to regain his peak form.
“Our collective hope is that by addressing this issue surgically, he will be able to return to his prior level of performance and durability.”
