Robert Stephenson's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Los Angeles Angels right-hander Robert Stephenson (shoulder) is dealing with some right-shoulder soreness in camp but is playing catch on Wednesday. It's the reason why Stephenson hasn't appeared in a Cactus League game yet, although it's a good sign that he's playing catch in Wednesday, and he still has enough time to get ready for Opening Day in late March. Last year, Stephenson battled elbow soreness and opened the regular season up on the injured list. When healthy, he's expected to serve as the Angels' primary setup man for closer Carlos Estevez, which will give him plenty of fantasy appeal in holds leagues. The 31-year-old veteran, a former first-rounder, had a solid 3.10 ERA, a 0.88 WHIP, one save and 77 K's in 52 1/3 relief innings in 2023 for the Pirates and Rays.

Relief pitcher Robert Stephenson will sign with the Los Angeles Angels, pending a physical. The former first-round pick struck out 77 of the 201 batters he faced in 2023, compiling 52 1/3 innings. Stephenson should work the late innings and closing is a possibility in Los Angeles, even though he has three career saves. After coming to Tampa Bay from Pittsburgh, the 30-year-old posted a 179 ERA+, the highest of his career. He could be a trendy sleeper pick for saves and will likely be owned in most leagues that use saves+holds.

Free agent reliever Robert Stephenson is receiving interest from the Los Angeles Dodgers and a pair of NL East teams, namely the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies. It has been reported that there are numerous teams with significant interest in the right-hander. A converted starter, Stephenson has found far more success as a reliever and enjoyed a career year in 2023. The 2011 first-round pick worked to a career-best 3.10 ERA and a massive 30.3% K-BB% in 60 appearances split between the Pirates and Rays a season ago. However, he took off upon landing in Tampa Bay as he tossed an eye-popping 1.50 ERA alongside a monstrous 42.9% while holding opposing hitters to a minuscule .114 batting average in the season's second half. A lucrative multi-year deal is well within reach for the 30-year-old.