From 2021 to 2023, right-hander Trevor Stephan was one of the most important and trustworthy relievers on the Cleveland Guardians.
Unfortunately, during last year’s spring training, he suffered elbow ligament damage and required Tommy John surgery.
He is actually in a similar timeline to that of former Guardians ace Shane Bieber.
In fact, both pitchers have been rehabbing in Triple-A for a while.
Stephan’s rehab window ended a few days ago, so he was activated from the injured list and optioned to Triple-A Columbus.
His overall numbers during the rehab assignment are far from ideal, which is why Cleveland hasn’t activated him yet.
Stephan boasts a 9.95 ERA in 12.2 frames between the Complex League, Double-A, and Triple-A while still working to regain his full velocity.
Still, he has been making progress in recent outings and is slowly regaining his best stuff.
“Cleveland Guardians RHP Trevor Stephan tossed a scoreless 8th inning of work Wednesday night for Columbus in the team’s 6-to-0 win over Gwinnett. Line – 1.0(IP) 1H 0R 0ER 1BB 1SO (23 Pitches 12 Strikes). Stephan topped out at 93.5 mph,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Cleveland #Guardians RHP Trevor Stephan tossed a scoreless 8th inning of work Wednesday night for Columbus in the team's 6-to-0 win over Gwinnett.
Line – 1.0(IP) 1H 0R 0ER 1BB 1SO
(23 Pitches 12 Strikes)
Stephan topped out at 93.5 mph.#GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/iZY1Fx0kRR
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) August 7, 2025
Stephan’s best version usually sits in the 95-96 mph range, so he still has a long way to go before he can be trusted by the Guardians in high-leverage spots.
It’s important to point out that despite his overall struggles in the minors this year, he has tossed four consecutive scoreless outings in Triple-A.
That means he is trending in the right direction.
When he is back to top form, he could help the Guardians in the stretch run with his 3.73 career ERA and 232 strikeouts in 195.2 frames.
NEXT: Carlos Baerga Sees Something Special Brewing With Guardians
