ANAHEIM, Calif.. -- Before tonight’s game, Angels' RHP Robert Stephenson smiled when asked about injury updates.
“I’m actually going to be on the mound tomorrow,” Stephenson said. “It’ll be my first bullpen. And it’ll be just fastballs, throwing 80-85, I think up to 88 so far. It’s progressing. It’s been slow, but it’s been slowly going the right direction.”
Stephenson said although he didn’t feel super encouraged when he first started throwing, he’s finally beginning to see the progression - and is happy about where things are at.
During April of last year, Stephenson endured Tommy John surgery - ultimately lending to a long recovery.
Stephenson made his Angels debut on May 28 in New York. He pitched one inning and threw two strikeouts, not allowing any hits or walks from the Yankees.
But five days after his debut, Stephenson was placed back onto the 15-day injured list following an inflamed bicep. And five days ago, he was once again transferred to the 60-day injured list, due to his bicep.
After months - and years - of consistent rehab, recovery and 60-day injured lists with Stephenson’s name on it, things are finally starting to look up.
In other news, Christian Moore took batting practice today - fielding ground balls and running bases.
Angels’ interim manager Ray Montgomery said Moore is getting better every day, and it's a good sign that he’s (Moore) able to take batting practice and come out the other side feeling good.
Montgomery said Moore is making progress since spraining his left thumb and being placed on the 10-day IL on July 3, but rehab will be needed at some point.
With the trade deadline creeping up in just two days, there is still a lot up in the air for the Angels, and not just the fans - but for Montgomery too.
“I wish I could tell you I feel confident about any direction that they’re (Angels’ front office) going to go,” Montgomery said. “The only thing I know they’re doing is working. In terms of conversations, I haven’t had any with Perry (Minasian) or David (Haynes).”
Taylor Ward, a name that has come up around the trade deadline, doesn't want to be on that trading block - if it were up to him.
"I would love (to spend the rest of my career here)," Ward said before tonight's game.
Ward said staying with the Angels is the best scenario for him and his family. With his wife growing up 25 minutes from the area and having the help of the grandparents with their two children, he couldn't ask for much more.
Well - besides a push to the playoffs.
"I understand this is a business and Perry has to do what's best for the club," Ward said. "I hope me staying is best for the club."