Robert Stephenson Stats

The Tampa Bay Rays acquired right-handed reliever Robert Stephenson from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday in exchange for minor-league shortstop Alika Williams, according to a source. Stephenson had a 5.14 ERA and 1.43 WHIP in 18 relief outings (14 innings) for the Reds this season. The 30-year-old has also posted an underwhelming 5.38 ERA in 76 relief appearances since the start of last year. The Rays will attempt to get something out of the former first-rounder, and if any team can turn him around, it would be Tampa. Williams, also a former first-rounder, was hitting .237 (37-for-156) with 11 doubles, a triple, five home runs, 23 RBI, three stolen bases and 21 runs scored in 42 games for Double-A Montgomery in the Rays system.

7 days ago

Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Robert Stephenson (elbow) threw a bullpen session on Tuesday. The 30-year-old has been coping with right elbow discomfort and hasn't made an appearance in spring training. The Pirates are hoping for him to throw one more bullpen session before re-evaluating him. Stephenson spent his 2022 campaign with the Pirates and Colorado Rockies. He posted a 5.43 ERA (4.23 FIP) with 55 strikeouts across 58 innings. The right-hander was shipped to Pittsburgh at the trade deadline in a transaction that also sent minor-leaguer Jameson Hannah to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for reliever Jeff Hoffman. Once Stephenson was dealt to the Pirates, he completely transformed. He composed a 3.38 ERA with a 0.825 WHIP through 13 appearances. The Pirates are hoping that his success carries over to the 2023 season.

3 months ago

Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Robert Stephenson (arm) has been slowed in spring training due to right arm discomfort. The Pirates are being cautious early in camp after Stephenson threw on Saturday. It's probably a minor issue, but the Bucs aren't going to take any chances this early in camp. The 29-year-old right-hander is slated to be a high-leverage setup man at the back end of Pittsburgh's bullpen this year ahead of closer David Bednar. He spent the 2022 campaign with the Colorado Rockies and Pirates, going 2-2 with a 5.43 ERA (4.23 FIP), 1.33 WHIP and 22.3 percent strikeout rate in 58 relief innings. If Stephenson's arm injury turns out to be something more serious, Wil Crowe would be leaned on more heavily in a setup role.

3 months ago