TEMPE, Ariz. — Robert Stephenson, who said earlier this spring that he would “absolutely” be ready for Opening Day, has had a setback, throwing his status into question.

Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said Friday that Stephenson had an issue while throwing within the past couple of days. He is going for more tests to determine the next steps.

“He was looking great,” Suzuki said. “For me, I think about the player. This guy’s been working his butt off. He was happy. He was excited to be back out there, and to have something like this, I almost feel worse for the player than I do for the team. Obviously he would help us, but my first thing is the player and all the work he put in to only have a little setback. It’s kind of disappointing. I feel bad for him.”

It’s the latest in a long line of disappointments for Stephenson, who has pitched only 10 innings since signing a three-year, $39 million deal with the Angels in January 2024. He missed the entire 2024 season rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. He returned briefly in 2025, only to suffer another injury.

Stephenson reported to spring training saying that he was diagnosed over the winter with “thoracic outlet symptoms,” but he was feeling good nonetheless.

He had progressed to facing hitters in camp, and he continually said that all signs pointed to him being ready when the season started.

It’s a disappointment for the Angels, but not a surprise. They signed several bullpen pieces, adding veteran relievers Kirby Yates, Jordan Romano, Drew Pomeranz and Brent Suter.

Meanwhile, Ben Joyce took another step toward being ready, after shoulder surgery last year.

Joyce threw sliders in the bullpen for the first time this spring. He had been throwing his fastball and changeup for a couple of weeks.

Right-hander Nick Sandlin is also progressing. He has faced hitters in live batting practice twice, and is expected to pitch in a game soon.

PITCHING PLAN

The Angels are having right-hander José Soriano pitch in a minor-league game Saturday, instead of facing the Seattle Mariners in their Cactus League game. Suzuki said it was to keep Soriano from facing an American League West rival in the spring. “You don’t want guys in the division to take more looks at you,” Suzuki said.

Right-hander Walbert Ureña will instead start the major-league game against the Mariners.

Right-hander Jack Kochanowicz was scheduled to pitch in a minor-league game Friday, while right-hander Grayson Rodriguez worked in the Cactus League game.

Meanwhile, left-hander Sam Aldegheri is scheduled to start for Italy against Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinal on Saturday.

“I’m excited to see him pitch against a really good Puerto Rico team,” Suzuki said.

Right-hander George Klassen’s next outing will be sometime after Saturday. Suzuki said he was only sure of the plan for Friday and Saturday.

The Angels still have an open competition for at least one rotation spot, with right-hander Alek Manoah trying to fight off a handful of pitchers for that spot.

NOTES

Outfielder Josh Lowe (oblique) did some more defensive drills Friday and was scheduled to continue playing in minor-league games. …

Third baseman Yoan Moncada was not in the lineup Friday, after playing for Cuba in the WBC in Puerto Rico on Wednesday. “He might need a day or so to kind of get his feet back under him,” Suzuki said. “He was playing good. He was playing really well out there in the WBC, so I’m excited about that. He’s in great shape. The guy’s ready to go.” …

Right-hander Caden Dana, who missed much of camp recovering from mononucleosis, faced hitters for the first time Friday.