Stephenson in holding pattern with 'tricky' nerve injury

ANAHEIM -- Right-handed reliever Robert Stephenson underwent two MRI exams on his right biceps that showed no structural damage, but did reveal a stretched nerve, he said before Saturday’s game against the Mariners.

Stephenson, who left after throwing just three pitches against Cleveland on May 30 in his second appearance since returning from Tommy John surgery, had an MRI exam in Boston last week and another in Southern California on Friday. He said the second one was more intensive with contrast dye, which found the nerve issue.

Stephenson said that while he’s relieved to know what’s causing the discomfort, it’s a rare injury and he’s not sure how long he’ll be out. He also said it wasn’t related to his Tommy John surgery; it’s an injury the doctors hadn’t seen with a pitcher since 2018.

“Everything looks really good structurally,” Stephenson said. “... [It] is kind of a weird injury, to be honest. There’s not really a whole lot, unfortunately, we can do. I don't really know what the timetable is, because they just don't react the same way. Like, you can't treat it like a muscle or a ligament or anything, so kind of just waiting for it to settle down before I start throwing again.”

Stephenson, who signed a three-year deal worth $33 million before last season, looked sharp in his season debut against the Yankees on May 28, throwing a perfect inning with two strikeouts. But he said he felt some discomfort while warming up before his outing against the Guardians, and it only worsened as he was on the mound.

“There's not any kind of major injury or anything,” Stephenson said. “It's just a matter of how long it's going to take. And there's not really a good answer for that, because it could be something that disappears overnight, could be something that takes a couple weeks or longer. They’re just kind of tricky, I guess. They don’t see stuff like this very often.”

Stephenson, 32, appeared to avoid a worst-case scenario with his injury, but it’s still a blow to the bullpen. He was dominant during a four-month stint with the Rays in '23 after being acquired in a trade with the Pirates, posting a 2.35 ERA with 60 strikeouts and eight walks in 38 1/3 innings.

The Angels will continue to rely on right-hander Ryan Zeferjahn as their top setup reliever in his absence, while lefty Reid Detmers has also been moved up in the pecking order because of his recent success. Manager Ron Washington said they’re just pleased they know what’s wrong with Stephenson and will go from there.

“It is better than a structural thing,” Washington said. “I don't know how many of those are out there, but at least we found out what's wrong. And the only thing that can get it better is rest. So we're giving him rest.”

But Washington had better news on the injury front with superstar Mike Trout, who participated in drills in right field for a second straight day. Trout has been relegated to designated hitter duty since coming off the injured list on May 30, as the Angels are still being cautious with his bone bruise in his surgically repaired left knee. But it sounds like Trout could return to right field at some point during their upcoming series against the Athletics.

“So far, everything's been going well,” Washington said. “Cross our fingers. And as I said, I don't think Mike is going to take a week to get ready. I wouldn't be surprised if in the next few days he said he's ready to go to the outfield.”