Angels Unleash $33 Million Arm: Robert Stephenson Returns to Bolster Bullpen, Davis Daniel Optioned

The Los Angeles Angels are finally getting the reinforcements they desperately need in their bullpen! After a prolonged stint on the injured list, high-leverage reliever Robert Stephenson, a key $33 million offseason acquisition, has been officially activated. This highly anticipated move signals a crucial turning point for an Angels relief corps that has, at times, struggled to find consistency and dominate late in games.

Stephenson’s return has been a long time coming.

Signed to a significant three-year, $33 million contract in the offseason, the right-hander was expected to be a foundational piece of the Angels' bullpen. However, shoulder inflammation sidelined him throughout spring training and for the opening weeks of the regular season, leaving a noticeable void.

His absence forced other relievers into higher-leverage roles, often with mixed results, highlighting just how critical his presence is for the team's late-inning strategy.

The Angels' bullpen has had its moments, but overall, it's shown vulnerabilities, particularly in high-pressure situations.

Adding Stephenson, known for his elite fastball velocity and sharp breaking pitches, provides a veteran presence and a proven track record of success. Last season, split between the Colorado Rockies and the Tampa Bay Rays, Stephenson posted an impressive 3.10 ERA across 52 appearances, striking out 77 batters in just 52.1 innings.

His ability to generate swings and misses, coupled with his experience in tight games, will be invaluable as the Angels aim to contend in a competitive American League West.

To make room for Stephenson on the 26-man roster, the Angels regrettably optioned right-handed pitcher Davis Daniel back to Triple-A Salt Lake.

Daniel's situation is particularly bittersweet. He was called up just a few days prior as a corresponding move when starter Griffin Canning was placed on the injured list. Despite joining the big league club, Daniel did not get the opportunity to make his Major League debut, a moment every minor league player dreams of.

While he didn't pitch, his brief time with the team suggests he's close to breaking through, and his call-up was a testament to his performance in the minors. His chance will undoubtedly come again.

Stephenson is expected to immediately slot into a high-leverage role, potentially working alongside Carlos Estévez, Matt Moore, and Ben Joyce to form a formidable late-inning quartet.

His ability to bridge the gap to the closer or handle critical situations in the seventh or eighth innings will significantly alleviate pressure on the entire pitching staff. This activation isn't just a simple roster change; it's a statement of intent from the Angels, signaling their commitment to bolstering their weaknesses and making a strong push as the season progresses.

Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see their big-money reliever finally take the mound and deliver on the promise of his hefty contract.