In recent days, the Cleveland Guardians have offered updates on some of their injured pitchers and lineup pieces.
Yet, for some reason, right-hander Trevor Stephan seems to be flying under the radar.
Stephan is, when healthy, one of the best bullpen arms on the Guardians, with the potential of entering that upper echelon of relievers currently comprised of Tim Herrin, Cade Smith, Hunter Gaddis, and Emmanuel Clase.
He was diagnosed with elbow ligament damage and required Tommy John surgery last March.
He is now 14 months removed from the surgery, and is actually really close to starting a rehab assignment.
Team reporter Guardians Prospective posted a video of Stephan throwing live batting practice to fellow rehabbing Guardian Jaison Chourio.
“Rehabbing Cleveland #Guardians 20yr old switch-hitting CF prospect Jaison Chourio (Right Shoulder Strain) taking live BP against rehabbing RHP Trevor Stephan (TJ Surgery) out at the organization’s Goodyear Development Complex,” he posted on X.
Rehabbing Cleveland #Guardians 20yr old switch-hitting CF prospect Jaison Chourio (Right Shoulder Strain) taking live BP against rehabbing RHP Trevor Stephan (TJ Surgery) out at the organizations Goodyear Development Complex. #GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/TIQ5BuAZrF
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) May 21, 2025
Usually, live batting practice is the last step before going on a rehab assignment in the minor leagues to test the pitcher’s stuff and command in a competitive setting.
Stephan is believed to be just days away from that next step.
If he starts his rehab assignment in the upcoming days, he could be in play to rejoin Cleveland’s bullpen in early or mid-June, and it would be a welcome addition.
Stephan is capable of posting a 2.69 ERA and striking out 82 batters in just 63.2 innings, like he did in 2022.
That’s his ceiling, and it’s pretty enticing.
His career 3.73 ERA indicates that he can contribute even if he is not at his best, but his ceiling alone makes him worth playing.
NEXT: MLB Analyst Notes Guardians' Bad Luck With Injured Top Prospects
