BOSTON — Robert Stephenson is trying to have the same optimism that the Angels’ medical staff has about his recent setback.
Even though they don’t seem to be concerned enough to even have him undergo an MRI, the Angels nonetheless put the right-hander on the injured list with what was described as bicep inflammation.
“I’m kind of devastated, honestly,” Stephenson said on Monday. “It sucks to work this hard to get back and have that happen right away. It sucks.”
Stephenson hurt his elbow last season before he even pitched a game with the Angels. That led to Tommy John surgery and a 13-month rehab. He returned with an eye-opening 12-pitch, perfect inning on Wednesday, only to feel some discomfort in his bicep in Friday’s game.
Stephenson took a day off and did some light throwing on Sunday, and felt the same issue. He said it’s right in the middle of the bicep, not by the elbow or shoulder, so that gives him some hope that it’s not a serious injury.
“Obviously to a lesser scale, because I wasn’t throwing as hard,” Stephenson said, “but the same symptoms. So we’re shut down from throwing and see where it goes.”
Stephenson said he still hasn’t undergone any testing beyond the initial examination on Friday in Cleveland.
“We’re kind of waiting to see what the doctors say and go from there,” Stephenson said.
While none of that sounds good, Stephenson said the opinion of the Angels’ medical staff gives him hope.
“The medical staff doesn’t seem to be too worried about it, so I’ll trust the professionals,” he said. “It’s hard right now. Winding up back on the IL, I hate it. I just got back and I want to be out there with the team.”
The Angels called up left-hander Sam Aldegheri to take Stephenson’s spot on the roster. The Angels needed bulk in the bullpen. Besides the loss of Stephenson, right-hander Hunter Strickland and left-hander Brock Burke were unavailable on Monday after pitching two innings apiece on Sunday.
Manager Ron Washington said Aldegheri was the minor leaguer who was the best fit to provide innings, and he said they weren’t considering if him being in the major league bullpen would affect his long-term development as a starter.
“We never thought that far ahead,” Washington said. “Right now, we need the length here. If for some reason, he’s not needed any more, we’re gonna send him back and let him get back on schedule.”
Aldegheri, 23, had a 4.34 ERA in 47⅔ innings at Double-A, with 48 strikeouts and 27 walks. The Angels did not give Aldegheri much of a look in spring training because they felt he wasn’t where he needed to be in terms of strength at the start of camp.
“That’s the first thing I talked to him about, his strength,” Washington said. “He said it’s back. He’s hitting 95-96 (mph). Of course, he has his offspeed stuff. He said he’s strong and ready to go.”
Aldegheri said he was excited to play at Fenway Park because he grew up as a Red Sox fan. Asked how a kid in Italy became a Red Sox fan, Aldegheri said: “My brother is a Yankees fan.”
MONCADA TO IL
The Angels also placed third baseman Yoán Moncada on the injured list because of right knee inflammation.
Moncada had been dealing with nagging pain since last week, causing him to come out of two games. He was clearly hampered when running. He said it also bothered him when hitting right-handed.
“I thought I could avoid (the IL), but those things I can’t control,” Moncada said through an interpreter. “I don’t want to aggravate the injury. We have so many games ahead.”
The Angels called up outfielder Matthew Lugo to take Moncada’s spot on the IL. The Angels could use the outfield help since Mike Trout is still limited to DH. The Angels didn’t need coverage for Moncada at third, because Luis Rengifo, Kevin Newman and Scott Kingery can all play third.
NOTES
Washington said he was hoping to use Trout at DH in all three games in Boston. If Trout runs the bases too much, they might decide he needs a day off, though. Trout is expected to start doing workouts in the outfield when the Angels return to Anaheim later this week. …
Right-hander José Fermin (right elbow impingement) hit 100 mph during his rehab assignment. “I don’t think he’s too far away from being back up here,” Washington said.
UP NEXT
Angels (LHP Yusei Kikuchi, 1-5, 3.06 ERA) at Red Sox (RHP Brayan Bello, 2-1, 3.83 ERA), Tuesday, 4:10 p.m. PT, FDSN West, 830 AM