Trevor Stephan: Everything you need to know

The Guardians outrighted Stephan on Friday, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports. Stephan has been playing for Triple-A Columbus since being activated off the 60-day injured list July 30, and he'll remain at Columbus or elect free agency after being outrighted. The 29-year-old has allowed 11 runs and three homers in seven innings with Columbus in 2025.

The Guardians activated Stephan (elbow) from the 60-day injured list and optioned him to Triple-A Columbus on Wednesday. Stephan was one of the Guardians' most-trusted relievers in 2022 and 2023, but he's struggled during his rehab assignment while coming back from his March 2024 UCL surgery, posting an 11.81 ERA over 10.2 innings across stops with three affiliates. He can still make an impact with the big club later this season, but the Guardians will need Stephan to hone his command at Triple-A before giving him another look in the majors.

Stephan (elbow) resumed his rehab assignment at Triple-A Columbus over the weekend, issuing one walk in a scoreless inning Friday. Stephan is in the midst of his second rehab assignment after the Guardians opted to extend his stay in the minors when his initial 30-day window expired shortly before the All-Star break. During the initial assignment, Stephan made eight appearances across stops with three affiliates and logged a 5.40 ERA and 1.44 WHIP in 8.1 innings. Stephan has made two appearances for Columbus during his second assignment, with Friday's outing marking his first since the All-Star break. The right-hander will likely need to sharpen his command and pitch on consecutive days at Triple-A before the Guardians bring him back from the 60-day injured list.