Trevor Stephan
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2022Crushers10000104.0321804.50
2022Flyers1800010037.13523224375.54
2023Flyers2400013034.22913133043.38
2024Flyers2000012036.1322394775.70
MLB Player Data
DateNewsComment
Jun 25 2025Stephan (elbow) had his rehab assignment moved to Double-A Akron, MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan made two appearances in the Arizona Complex League and two for Triple-A Columbus, before the organization shifted him to Akron. He threw two scoreless innings for the RubberDucks on Tuesday, allowing one hit while striking out two. In total, the right-hander has a 6.35 ERA with eight strikeouts and three walks over 5.2 rehab innings.
Jun 18 2025Stephan (elbow) allowed one run on one hit and two walks over two-thirds of an inning for Triple-A Columbus on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan's rehab moved from the rookie-level Arizona Complex League to the highest level of the minors. The right-hander racked up the strikeouts -- five of them in two innings -- while in the ACL. He's moved up several levels and is on the cusp of returning to the majors.
Jun 9 2025Stephan (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment with the rookie-level Arizona Complex League Guardians on Tuesday, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan missed the entirety of last season following a UCL reconstruction, but he's finally been cleared for game action following a long rehab process. His rehab assignment will be a lengthy one given how much time Stephan has missed, but he should be ready to rejoin the Guardians' bullpen before the All-Star break.
Mar 27 2025The Guardians placed Stephan (elbow) on the 15-day injured list Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan has been throwing off a mound since the beginning of March, though he still has a long way to go in his rehab from UCL reconstruction surgery. Assuming the rest of his ramp-up process goes smoothly, he should return to Cleveland's bullpen within a few months.
Mar 1 2025Stephan (elbow) threw a bullpen session Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Saturday marks the first time Stephan has thrown off a mound this spring while he works his way back from UCL reconstruction surgery. He seems to be trending in the right direction but still has several boxes to check before being cleared for game action, which isn't likely to happen for another couple of months.
Feb 14 2025Stephan (elbow) is expected to begin throwing off a mound in late February. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan had right UCL reconstruction surgery last March and has progressed to throwing five days per week from 120 feet. There's no projected timetable yet for the reliever's return, but he seems likely to miss at least the first couple months of the season.
Mar 28 2024Stephan underwent surgery to repair his UCL on Wednesday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was known that Stephan would require surgery, though the exact nature of the procedure was unclear. The team still didn't announce details, though he'll miss the entire 2024 campaign and could also miss a significant portion of 2025 as well.
Mar 14 2024Stephan will undergo surgery on his right elbow in the next week or two, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The specific procedure and a timetable aren't yet known, but Bell relays that Stephan's UCL was "not providing adequate stability," necessitating the need for the operation. More information on a recovery timeline for Stephan should be known once he goes under the knife, but unless he gets an arthroscopic procedure, the veteran reliever could miss the entire 2024 season. He had been slated to serve in a setup role ahead of closer Emmanuel Clase but should now be considered out indefinitely.
Feb 28 2024Stephan will be shut down for three weeks with a deep bone bruise in his right elbow, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan's elbow is structurally sound, but the Guardians will shelve the reliever for a while to let him recover from the bone bruise. Considering that Opening Day is just over four weeks away, Stephan undoubtedly will require a stay on the injured list. The 28-year-old has been a key setup man for Cleveland, posting a 3.73 ERA and 27.5 percent strikeout rate over the last three seasons.
Sep 22 2023Stephan (7-7) allowed two runs on three hits and struck out one over one inning to earn the win despite taking a blown save Thursday versus the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan allowed the Orioles to pull even in the top of the eighth inning, but the Guardians retook the lead a half-inning later. It's been a rough September for the setup man -- he's allowed 12 runs (11 earned) over 7.1 innings across eight appearances. He's now at a 3.97 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 71:25 K:BB with two saves, 29 holds and eight blown saves through 65.2 innings overall.
Sep 18 2023Stephan (6-7) allowed four runs (three earned) on three walks and a hit-by-pitch over two-thirds of an inning to take the loss Monday versus the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan couldn't find the strike zone, with just 12 of his 31 pitches landing for strikes in the wild outing. His poor showing allowed the Royals to rally in the eighth inning, though Enyel De Los Santos was tagged with the blown save after being unable to get the situation under control. Stephan has taken three losses while adding four holds over seven appearances in September, allowing 10 runs (nine earned) over 6.1 innings. He's at a 3.76 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 70:25 K:BB through 64.2 innings with two saves and 28 holds overall.
Sep 5 2023Stephan (6-6) allowed five runs on three hits and two walks while striking out one over two-thirds of an inning to take the loss Tuesday versus the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan allowed the Twins to assemble a rally in the eighth inning after he was initially brought in to keep things tied at 3-3. The right-hander has taken losses in back-to-back appearances, though Tuesday's disaster outing was the first time he'd given up multiple runs since July 16. It inflated his ERA to 3.54 with a 1.28 WHIP and 68:22 K:BB through 61 innings this season. He's picked up 25 holds and two saves, but Stephan's shakiness early in September could see him bumped aside in favor of Reynaldo Lopez, Matt Moore or Enyel De Los Santos for primary setup duties.
Sep 3 2023Stephan (6-5) took the loss Sunday versus the Rays. He allowed a run on a hit and a walk while striking out two over one inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan allowed a go-ahead RBI single to Taylor Walls in the eighth inning. It was just the third run he's allowed over 15 innings since the start of August. The right-hander is now at a 2.83 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 67:20 K:BB through 60.1 innings while adding two saves and 25 holds. While he'll still likely see plenty of setup work, the waiver additions of Matt Moore and Reynaldo Lopez could impact Stephan's usage over the last month of the season.
Aug 31 2023Stephan (6-4) struck out the side in a perfect inning to earn the extra-inning win over the Twins on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan had a fairly stable performance through August, allowing just two runs while posting a 17:2 K:BB over 13 innings. He collected eight holds and one blown save during the month. The setup man has a 2.78 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 63:18 K:BB, two saves and 24 holds over 58.1 innings this year. He continues to frequently fill the eighth-inning role ahead of closer Emmanuel Clase.
Jul 22 2023Stephan (5-4) struck out two over 1.2 perfect innings to earn the win Friday versus the Phillies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With starter Gavin Williams going just four innings, the official scorer had the discretion to award Stephan the win for his work in the seventh and eighth frames. Stephan has pitched to a shaky 6.43 ERA in July, but he's at a solid 3.21 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 44:15 K:BB while adding two saves and 15 holds through 42 innings this season in a setup role.
Jul 16 2023Stephan (4-4) took the loss Sunday, allowing four runs on three hits and two walks over one-third of an inning versus the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan was responsible for the entirety of the Rangers' eighth-inning rally before Sam Hentges prevented it from getting worse. It's just the fourth time Stephan's allowed multiple runs in an outing this season, but three of those instances have come since the start of June. He's now at a 3.43 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 41:15 K:BB through 39.1 innings while collecting two saves, 14 holds and six blown saves through 42 appearances. Stephan's allowed too many baserunners all season, and it may be catching up to him in the second half.
Jun 27 2023Stephan (4-3) allowed an unearned run on one hit and struck out one over one inning to earn the win Tuesday over the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan was briefly on the hook for the loss after giving up a run in the eighth inning, but the Guardians scored twice in the ninth to put him in line for the win. He's given up an unearned run in two straight outings, but it's been 9.2 innings since he surrendered an earned run. The setup man has a 2.12 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 39:11 K:BB with two saves, 12 holds and four blown saves over 34 innings this season.
Jun 26 2023Stephan (3-3) took the extra-inning loss Sunday versus the Brewers. He allowed an unearned run on a hit and a walk while striking out two in one inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan couldn't keep the game tied in the 10th inning, and the Guardians weren't able to catch up. Owen Miller supplied the RBI double to beat his former team. Stephan has still gone 8.2 innings without allowing an earned run since a three-run meltdown June 1. The setup man owns a 2.18 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 38:11 K:BB with two saves, 12 holds and four blown saves over 33 innings this season.
Jun 16 2023Stephan (3-2) allowed a walk and struck out one over 1.2 scoreless innings to pick up the win Thursday over the Padres. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Starter Logan Allen was ineffective, and three relievers prior to Stephan combined to yield one run on five hits and two walks. The official scorer decided Stephan was the most effective reliever, giving him his first win since May 6. The right-hander has a 5.2-inning scoreless streak with a 5:1 K:BB in that span. For the season, he's been steady with a 2.40 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 33:10 K:BB while adding two saves and 11 holds over 30 innings in a setup role.
May 21 2023Stephan (2-2) took the loss and a blown save in Game 1 of Sunday's doubleheader versus the Mets, allowing two runs on two hits and a walk with two strikeouts in one inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan gave up a two-run home run to Starling Marte in the eighth inning, just after the Guardians had rallied for a 4-3 lead. Stephan's scoreless streak came to a close at 4.2 innings with the sloppy outing. He's now at a 2.29 ERA, 1.27 wHIP and 23:7 K:BB through 19.2 innings across 21 appearances. He's added two saves, six holds and three blown saves in a setup role.
May 14 2023Stephan allowed a hit and a walk while striking out one in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Saturday's 8-6 win over the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Guardians were down 6-2 after the top of the eighth inning, so it wasn't looking like they'd need a closer Saturday. A six-run rally in the bottom of the eighth changed that, and then Stephan took the mound. He retired Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani with little trouble but put runners on second and third before Brandon Drury grounded out to end the game. That's a little more drama than usual for Stephan, who has been scored on in just four of his 18 appearances this season. He has a 1.62 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 18:6 K:BB with two saves, five holds and two blown saves through 16.2 innings.
May 7 2023Stephan (2-1) earned the win Saturday versus the Twins. He allowed a run on one hit and struck out two over 1.1 innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan was charged with a blown save when he allowed a seventh-inning solo shot to Carlos Correa. Steven Kwan responded in the bottom of the seventh to restore the Guardians' lead, giving Stephan his second win this season. The right-hander has been a little unsteady in allowing four runs (three earned) on nine hits and three walks over his last nine outings. The setup man has a 1.93 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 16:5 K:BB across 14 innings this season while adding a save and four holds.
May 4 2023Stephan (1-1) allowed an unearned run on a hit and a walk in one-third of an inning, taking the extra-inning loss Wednesday versus the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan entered with the game tied at 3-3 in the bottom of the 10th inning. Three batters later, he gave up the walkoff hit, a Jose Trevino RBI single. This is just the third time in 14 appearances that Stephan has given up a run. He's pitched to a strong 1.42 ERA, but he's been a bit lucky while scattering 12 hits with a 14:5 K:BB over 12.2 innings. The setup man has added a save, four holds and a blown save while working in a high-leverage role.
Apr 2 2023Stephan picked up the save Sunday against Seattle with a perfect ninth inning. He struck out one batter. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan picked up 20 holds over 66 appearances last season while posting a 2.69 ERA, and he was called upon in the bottom of the 10th inning Sunday to preserve a one-run lead. While it was encouraging to see the righty earn the save, he's unlikely to see many save chances this year behind Emmanuel Clase, who picked up the save against Seattle on Saturday.
Mar 29 2023Stephan signed a four-year contract extension with the Guardians on Wednesday, Paul Hoynes of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The financial details of the deal have yet to be released, but the signing locks down a key piece of Cleveland's bullpen for another four seasons. Stephan logged a 2.69 ERA and 1.18 WHIP with 82 strikeouts through 63.2 innings last season, alongside three saves and 20 holds. He remains unlikely to get many save opportunities in 2023 behind Emmanuel Clase, but the 27-year-old reliever figures to remain one of the Guardians' premier setup men.
Mar 15 2023Stephan has allowed five earned runs on three hits and four walks over 2.2 innings through three Cactus League appearances. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan has had a bit of bad luck -- two of the three hits he's allowed have been home runs. He was excellent at suppressing the long ball in 2022, giving up just three of them over 63.2 innings after allowing 15 homers in 63.1 innings in 2021. The right-hander emerged as a setup man to Emmanuel Clase last season, so there's not much reason to be concerned about Stephan's performance in spring training, but he could move down the pecking order if he struggles to begin the regular season.
Sep 30 2022Stephan issued three walks and struck out two to earn the save in Thursday's 2-1 win over the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan loaded the bases with one out, but he struck out Ji-Man Choi and got Isaac Paredes to pop out to end the threat. Both closer Emmanuel Clase and top setup man James Karinchak had pitched in the previous two games, leaving Stephan with a rare save chance. This was only the fourth time in 64 appearances that Stephan had permitted multiple walks. He has a 2.74 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 81:18 K:BB while adding three saves, 19 holds and a 6-5 record through 62.1 innings.
Sep 27 2022Stephan (6-5) allowed two runs (one earned) on a hit and a walk while striking out two in one inning to take the loss Tuesday versus the Rays. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan gave up a two-run double to Harold Ramirez in the 11th inning, and Cleveland only got one of those runs back. Over his last 20 appearances, Stephan's given up runs just four times, though each of those instances have seen him tagged for multiple tallies. He's now at a 2.79 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 79:15 K:BB with 19 holds and a pair of saves through 61.1 innings.
Sep 16 2022Stephan (6-4) struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the win Friday over the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan was sharp in the eighth inning of a tied game, and the Guardians went ahead in their half of the frame. It's his second win in as many appearances, and it extended his scoreless streak to 5.1 innings. The right-hander owns a 2.34 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 74:14 K:BB with two saves and 17 holds through 57.2 innings across 58 appearances this season.
Sep 14 2022Stephan (5-4) allowed a hit in a scoreless inning to earn the win Wednesday over the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan pitched the top of the eighth inning and then ended up in line for the win when Jose Ramirez put the Guardians ahead in the bottom half of the frame. Over his last five outings, Stephan has racked up 4.1 scoreless innings, allowing four hits and a walk while striking out four and earning four holds and a win. The right-hander continues to operate mainly as a setup man with 17 holds in 57 appearances this year. He's added a sharp 2.38 ERA with a 1.18 WHIP, 72:14 K:BB, two saves and two blown saves through 56.2 innings.
Sep 4 2022Stephan (4-4) took the loss in extra innings Sunday versus the Mariners, allowing three runs (two earned) on three hits in one inning. He didn't walk a batter or record a strikeout. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan allowed initial runner Eugenio Suarez to score on a J.P. Crawford one-out single. That ended up not making much of a difference, as Cal Raleigh took Stephan deep for a two-run blast one batter later. This ended the 26-year-old right-hander's 7.1-inning scoreless streak. He still has a strong 2.58 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 68:13 K:BB through 52.1 innings while logging two saves, two blown saves and 13 holds in 52 appearances.
Aug 24 2022Stephan has posted a 1.42 ERA and 1.34 WHIP while collecting eight holds in 13 appearances since the All-Star break. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan has racked up an impressive 23:3 K:BB in that span, and he's kept opponents off the board in 11 of those 13 outings. One of the keys to his success has been an improvement with his splitter -- per Statcast, he's throwing it 27 percent of the time this year compared to 8.1 percent in 2021. It's been effective, limiting opponents to a .141 batting average and .156 slugging percentage this year. That's allowed the right-hander to post a 2.44 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 62:12 K:BB, 13 holds and two saves through 48 innings while emerging as a setup man to top-tier closer Emmanuel Clase.
Jul 23 2022Stephan (4-3) earned the win in Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader versus the White Sox. He allowed four hits and struck out two without allowing a run in 1.1 innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan was a little shaky, but he got the Guardians out of trouble in the seventh inning and gave up only one hit in the eighth before the offense took over in the ninth. In his last five appearances, he's allowed six hits and struck out nine over 6.2 scoreless innings. The right-hander has a steady 2.70 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 41:9 K:BB with two saves, five holds and a blown save in 36.2 innings overall.
Jul 15 2022Stephan struck out two batters in a perfect inning and picked up a save over Detroit on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan threw 10 of 13 pitches for strikes and quickly worked through the Tigers in dominant fashion. He's now given up just one run over his last 12 appearances, lowering his season ERA to 2.80 through 35.1 frames. Emmanuel Clase was likely unavailable Friday after pitching the previous two days.
Jul 5 2022Stephan (3-3) allowed a run on two hits and struck out two in 1.1 innings, taking the loss in Game 2 of Monday's doubleheader versus the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan navigated a single in the fifth inning without trouble, but he let Spencer Torkelson aboard in the sixth. Bryan Shaw allowed the inherited runner to score, leaving Stephan with the loss when the Guardians failed to pull even. This ended a 6.2-inning scoreless streak for Stephan, who has put together a solid campaign outside of an ugly May. He owns a 3.30 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 32:9 K:BB while adding a save, a blown save and four holds through 30 innings.
Jun 22 2022Stephan (3-2) walked one and struck out three in one scoreless inning to earn the win over the Twins on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan walked Byron Buxton to lead off the bottom of the 10th inning, but he bounced back to strike out Carlos Correa, Max Kepler and Gary Sanchez in order. The Guardians pulled ahead in the 11th and Emmanuel Clase made it stick to earn Stephan his first win since April 29. He's kept runs off the board in six of his seven appearances in June and now owns a 3.65 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 27:8 K:BB through 24.2 innings overall. Stephan has added a save, four holds and a blown save, though he only occasionally sees high-leverage spots.
Jun 12 2022Stephan allowed two runs on two hits and struck out one in one inning during Sunday's 6-3 win over the Athletics. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Prior to Sunday, Stephan hadn't given up a home run all season. That changed in the eighth inning when he allowed back-to-back solo shots to Christian Bethancourt and Seth Brown. This was the fourth time in 23 appearances Stephan's given up multiple runs. He has a 4.09 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 23:7 K:BB, a save, three holds, a blown save and a 2-2 record in 22 innings. He should remain in a mid-leverage role, but he hasn't logged a save or a hold since May 9.
May 26 2022Stephan (2-2) took the loss Thursday versus the Tigers. He allowed a run on two hits and struck out one in one-third of an inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan entered with the game tied at 3-3, but he allowed a double to Jonathan Schoop, who then advanced to third on a wild pitch. Miguel Cabrera added a walkoff single, handing Stephan his second loss in his last three outings. The right-hander now owns a 3.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 18:5 K:BB across 18 innings in 18 appearances. He's given up five runs (four earned) in his last four outings.
May 19 2022Stephan (2-1) took the loss Thursday versus the Reds. He allowed three runs (two earned) on three hits and a walk in two-thirds of an inning without recording a strikeout. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan was called upon to pitch the eighth inning. It was his own throwing error that allowed the second of the Reds' three runs in the frame to score, and the Guardians' offense couldn't bail the reliever out. Stephan has allowed six runs (five earned) across 6.2 innings in May after giving up just one unearned run in 10 innings in April. It shakes out to a 2.70 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 16:5 K:BB for the right-hander, who has added a save and three holds in 16 appearances.
May 9 2022Stephan struck out two batters in a perfect inning and earned a save over the White Sox on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan worked a clean 11th inning to convert his first save chance of the year. The 26-year-old is sporting an impressive 15:3 K:BB and 1.35 ERA through 13.1 innings. He'll maintain a late-inning role but won't see many save chances behind Emmanuel Clase.
Apr 30 2022Stephan (2-0) picked up the win Friday versus the Athletics, pitching two perfect innings with two strikeouts. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was an efficient outing for Stephan, who threw 16 of 19 pitches for strikes. That was good enough for the official scorers to credit the right-hander with the win instead of Enyel De Los Santos, who was in the game when the Guardians took the lead. Across 10 innings this season, Stephan has allowed one unearned run with a 10:0 K:BB and three holds in nine appearances. He won't be that effective all season, but he should have a chance to be part of the high-leverage mix in front of closer Emmanuel Clase.
Apr 13 2022Stephan (1-0) allowed a hit in a scoreless inning, earning the win Tuesday versus the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan pitched the eighth inning, and the Guardians rallied for the lead on a two-run home run by Andres Gimenez and a grand slam by Jose Ramirez in the ninth. Through 2.2 innings in three appearances, Stephan has allowed two hits with one strikeout, and he's yet to give up a run. The right-hander did alright as a multi-inning option last season with a 4.41 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 75:31 K:BB, but it appears he's gained a bit more trust early in 2022 to work in tighter games.
Apr 3 2022Stephan is on the Guardians' 28-man Opening Day roster, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan pitched to a reasonable 4.41 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 75:31 K:BB in 63.1 innings as a rookie last season. He went 3-1 with one save and three holds in a mainly low-leverage role. The hard-throwing righty will need to trim back on walks (4.4 BB/9) and homers (2.1 HR/9), as those high rates led to a 5.48 FIP last season. He should see most of his appearances in middle relief to begin 2022.
Sep 25 2021Stephan (3-1) took the loss Friday, allowing one run on two hits with three strikeouts in two innings versus the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 25-year-old gave up the only run in the game on a Luis Robert solo home run in the fifth inning. Stephan's ratios aren't great this year (4.62 ERA, 1.43 WHIP), but Friday's loss was the first he's taken in 41 appearances. He's added a save and two holds, but he's also posted a 5.58 FIP, which indicates he's gotten a little lucky. Expect the right-hander to finish the year in a low-leverage role.
Sep 19 2021Stephan struck out the side in a perfect inning during Sunday's 11-1 win over the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Despite throwing just 11 of 20 pitches for strikes, Stephan was effective Sunday. The right-hander hasn't always been so fortunate in his first big-league season, posting a 4.63 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 71:30 K:BB across 58.1 innings. He's added a 3-0 record, one save and two holds while often working in a low-leverage role since he's had some struggles with command.
Sep 1 2021Stephan earned the save over the Royals on Wednesday by striking out two batters in a perfect 11th inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Regular starter Emmanuel Clase was deployed in the ninth inning of a tie game, leaving Stephan to close things out with a two-run lead in the 11th. He did so with ease, retiring Andrew Benintendi on a flyout before striking out the final two batters he faced. Stephan has mostly worked in long relief this season, having logged a combined 7.2 innings over his previous three appearances. He'll likely return to that role moving forward.
Aug 26 2021Stephan (3-0) allowed one run on two hits and struck out four in 2.2 innings, earning the win Thursday over Texas. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 25-year-old once again worked as a long reliever behind starter Sam Hentges. It's been a fruitful role for Stephan, who has earned wins in each of his last two appearances. The right-hander has a 4.50 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 53:25 K:BB across 48 innings this year. Cleveland hasn't announced this as an official piggyback situation, but it's worth keeping an eye on, as Stephan's fantasy value would receive a boost if he can continue to vulture some wins.
Aug 21 2021Stephan (2-0) allowed just one hit and struck out two over three scoreless innings to earn the win Friday over the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Starter Sam Hentges only lasted four innings, so Stephan earned the win in a lopsided 9-1 contest. Through six appearances in August, Stephan has yielded four runs on seven hits and seven walks with seven strikeouts across 10.1 innings. The right-hander has endured an inconsistent season with a 4.57 ERA, 1.52 WHIP and 49:25 K:BB in 45.1 innings, mainly as a multi-inning reliever.
Aug 9 2021Stephan has allowed nine runs in his last 11.1 innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: In that span, which covers eight appearances, Stephan has only kept opponents off the board three times. He's also yielded four home runs. The rookie right-hander has a 4.70 ERA, 1.51 WHIP and 44:20 K:BB across 38.1 innings. With an FIP of 6.06, it's safe to say Stephan has gotten a little lucky this season, which doesn't bode well for his chances of pitching himself into a high-leverage role in the last two months of the season.
Jul 25 2021Stephan allowed three runs on four hits in one inning during Saturday's 8-2 loss to Tampa Bay. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan has received just four appearances in July, allowing four runs across six innings. He hasn't had more than two consecutive scoreless outings since May, which has kept the right-hander in a low-leverage role. The 25-year-old rookie has a 4.89 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and 42:18 K:BB with 10 home runs allowed through 35 innings.
Jul 2 2021Stephan pitched 2.1 perfect innings with three strikeouts in Friday's 6-3 loss to Houston. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan was able to settle things down after another rough start from Sam Hentges. The 25-year-old Stephan has had some shaky play of his own lately, allowing two runs in each of his last two outings. The right-hander has a 4.31 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 37:18 K:BB across 31.1 innings while mainly working in a low-leverage role.
Jun 17 2021Stephan (1-0) struck out three over 1.2 perfect innings to earn the win Thursday versus Baltimore. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan got the last two outs of the fifth inning and then retired the side in the sixth. The win was the first of the right-hander's major-league career. He's pitched to a 3.81 ERA, 1.58 WHIP and 31:16 K:BB across 26 innings this season in a low-leverage role.
Jun 12 2021Stephan allowed a hit and a walk and struck out two in a scoreless inning in Saturday's 5-4 extra-inning over Seattle. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: While he allowed two baserunners Saturday, Stephan was able to get away with it this time. That hasn't always been the case this season, as the 25-year-old owns a 4.43 ERA, 1.70 WHIP and 25:16 K:BB across 22.1 innings. Until he can show more command, he'll be limited to low-leverage work.
May 30 2021Stephan struck out two in a perfect inning in a 6-5 win over Toronto in Game 2 of Sunday's doubleheader. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan worked the sixth inning, and he kept the deficit at 4-0. Cleveland rallied to tie in the bottom half of the inning before walking it off in the seventh. Through 7.1 innings in May, Stephan has allowed only two runs. The right-hander has a 4.50 ERA, 1.72 WHIP and 22:12 K:BB across 18 innings overall, so he should be expected to remain in a low-leverage role.
May 18 2021Stephan allowed two hits and a walk while striking out three over 2.1 scoreless innings in Monday's 7-4 loss to the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Sam Hentges was torched for six runs in 1.2 innings before Stephan entered the contest and calmed things down. Five of his nine outings this season have lasted more than one inning. Stephan owns a 4.50 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and 18:7 K:BB across 14 innings in a low-leverage role.
Apr 28 2021Stephan allowed one run on two hits and a walk with two strikeouts over 1.2 innings in Wednesday's 10-2 loss to the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Logan Allen had an awful start, and Stephan was needed to help get through the second inning. He also pitched the third, allowing a solo shot to Willians Astudillo as the Twins ran away with the game. The 25-year-old Stephan has a 5.91 ERA, 1.59 WHIP and 13:5 K:BB across 10.2 innings. He's mostly worked in a multi-inning, low-leverage role this season. He's also given up four home runs -- keeping the ball in the yard will be critical for his effectiveness this season.
Apr 10 2021Stephan allowed two runs on two hits and struck out one in one inning in Saturday's 11-3 win over the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan pitched the ninth inning and allowed a two-run home run to Jeimer Candelario. Luckily for Cleveland, it wasn't a close game. Stephan had one scoreless appearance this season prior to Saturday's rocky outing. The 25-year-old right-hander will likely see low-leverage assignments like he did Saturday, so fantasy managers probably won't need to follow his progress closely. As a Rule 5 pick, Cleveland has to keep Stephan on the roster all season, or he'll be offered back to the Yankees.
Mar 21 2021Stephan was informed that he's won an Opening Day roster spot Sunday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Stephan was selected in the Rule 5 draft in December and evidently did enough in camp to stick around. He'll have to be kept on the big-league roster all season or be offered back to the Yankees. He's likely ticketed for low-leverage work, as he's yet to advance beyond Double-A and recorded a 5.24 ERA at that level in 12 starts in 2019.
Dec 10 2020Cleveland selected Stephan with the 15th pick of the Rule 5 draft. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Once a prominent prospect with the Yankees, Stephan struggled while working as a starter once he was promoted above High-A back in 2018. His fastball/slider combo appealed to Cleveland, and he could have a future as a quality big-league reliever if he can throw enough strikes.