Pitcher injuries have increased significantly in the 2024 MLB season, and Robert Stephenson of the Los Angeles Angels is the most recent player to join the lengthy list of players out for the season.

The Angels signed Stephenson as their big offseason acquisition, paying $33 million for the three-year contract of the seasoned reliever.

But after the Angels defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 5-4 on Wednesday, the franchise confirmed Stephenson’s elbow injury, dealing a severe blow to the team’s supporters. Although the injury to the 31-year-old has increased the Angels’ concerns about their bullpen, manager Ron Washington thinks the group can handle it.

Reporters were told by manager Ron Washington that it was “very disappointing.” “There is undoubtedly a significant gap in our bullpen. But I believe that our boys are beginning to support one another, and it is exactly what we need. One must make way for another when someone falls. But there’s a sizable gap.Later this month, Stephenson is expected to have elbow surgery, which will keep him out of action for the entire 2024 campaign. Stephenson should be fully recovered before the opening of the 2025 season, even if the team has not yet disclosed the specifics of the procedure.

If pitcher Robert Stephenson is sidelined for 130 consecutive days due to an elbow ailment, there is an option in his contract to extend for an additional year.

Ron Washington’s problem is made worse by Robert Stephenson’s extended absence from the Los Angeles Angels bullpen, which includes some of the most unreliable arms in recent seasons.

Washington feels that in order to lessen the load on the relievers, the beginning pitchers need to help the club win. To make it easier on the bullpen, the Angels manager would prefer that the starters extend their starts and hold the opposition off until the sixth or seventh inning.