Ryan Tepera is a professional baseball pitcher who recently made headlines for signing a lucrative two-year, $14 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels in March 2022.
However, Tepera’s promising start with the Angels was cut short when he was placed on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation. As with any injury to a professional athlete, there is a lot of speculation about how this will impact Tepera’s career and the team’s performance.
In this blog post, we will explore what happened to Ryan Tepera, provide background on his career, and analyze the potential implications of his injury for both him and the Angels.
Background on Ryan Tepera
Ryan Tepera is a 33-year-old right-handed pitcher who was born on November 3, 1987, in Houston, Texas. He was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 19th round of the 2009 MLB draft and made his MLB debut with the team in 2015.
Tepera was with the Blue Jays for six seasons, during which he amassed a 12-12 record with a 3.64 ERA and 1.232 WHIP. He was also a part of the Blue Jays team that made it to the American League Championship Series in 2015 and 2016.
In 2021, Tepera signed with the Chicago Cubs and became a vital part of their bullpen. During his time with the Cubs, he posted a 0.87 ERA, a 0.654 WHIP, and struck out 35 batters in 31 innings pitched.
His performance helped the Cubs to make a push towards the playoffs, and he was even selected to represent the team in the All-Star Game.
Tepera was named the National League’s Reliever of the Month for August 2021 after allowing just one run and striking out 17 batters in 12 innings pitched during the month. He finished the 2021 season with a 2.79 ERA, 0.909 WHIP, and 11.2 K/9.
Tepera signed a two-year, $14 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels in March 2022, making him one of the highest-paid relievers in the league.
The Injury
Shoulder inflammation is a common injury that affects pitchers, caused by irritation or inflammation of the rotator cuff, bursa sacs, or tendons in the shoulder.
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help stabilize the shoulder joint, and when these muscles become inflamed, it can cause pain and discomfort, as well as a decrease in range of motion and strength.
Ryan Tepera was placed on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation on a Sunday. The Angels did not provide much detail on the specific nature of the injury or how it occurred, but it is believed to have been caused by overuse or strain.
As of now, there have been no updates on Tepera’s condition or timeline for his return. The Angels will likely take a cautious approach with Tepera’s injury and give him as much time as he needs to recover fully.
It is possible that he may miss a significant amount of time, depending on the severity of the inflammation and his recovery progress.
Impact on the Angels
Ryan Tepera’s injury will have a significant impact on the Angels and their bullpen, as he was expected to be a key contributor in their relief corps. Tepera was signed to provide veteran experience and stability to the Angels’ bullpen, which has struggled in recent seasons.
Losing Tepera to injury will force the Angels to rely on younger, less experienced pitchers to fill the void in the bullpen.
The Angels may choose to make some adjustments to their pitching rotation to compensate for Tepera’s absence. They could use a combination of younger relievers and starters to bridge the gap in the bullpen, or they may look to sign a free agent pitcher to bolster their pitching staff.
Potential replacements for Tepera in the bullpen include pitchers like Junior Guerra, James Hoyt, and Aaron Slegers, all of whom have experience as relievers. The Angels may also choose to move a starter like Patrick Sandoval or Jaime Barria to the bullpen to provide additional support.
Ultimately, the impact of Tepera’s injury on the Angels’ performance will depend on how well they can adapt and adjust to his absence.
If they can find suitable replacements and maintain their pitching performance, they should be able to stay competitive in a tough American League West division.
Tepera’s Future
Ryan Tepera’s injury may have an impact on his future with the Angels and his career overall, as shoulder injuries can be tricky for pitchers to recover from.
Tepera’s age and recent performance suggest that he still has several productive years left in his career, but his ability to recover from this injury will be crucial.
If Tepera is able to recover fully and return to the field without any lingering effects, he should continue to be a valuable asset for the Angels and potentially sign additional contracts in the future.
However, if the injury causes long-term damage or if he struggles to regain his previous form, it could significantly impact his prospects in the league.
Tepera’s injury also highlights the physical toll that playing professional baseball can take on a player’s body, especially for pitchers who rely heavily on their arms.
It is possible that the Angels and other teams may become more cautious in signing older pitchers or players with a history of injuries, which could impact Tepera’s future contract opportunities.
Despite the uncertainty around his injury, Tepera has shown resilience and determination throughout his career, and it is likely that he will continue to work hard to return to the game and pitch at a high level.
If he is able to make a successful recovery, there is no doubt that he will continue to be a valuable asset for the Angels and a respected player in the league.
Ryan Tepera’s Pitching Stats (2015-2022)
| Year | Team | W-L Record | ERA | Games Played | Saves | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | TOR | 0-1 | 3.27 | 32 | 0 | 23 |
| 2016 | TOR | 4-2 | 3.15 | 76 | 1 | 64 |
| 2017 | TOR | 7-1 | 3.59 | 73 | 1 | 81 |
| 2018 | TOR | 5-5 | 3.62 | 68 | 1 | 68 |
| 2019 | TOR | 0-2 | 4.98 | 21 | 0 | 25 |
| 2019 | CHC | 0-0 | 3.92 | 23 | 0 | 20 |
| 2020 | CHC | 0-1 | 3.92 | 21 | 0 | 31 |
| 2021 | CHC | 0-2 | 2.91 | 37 | 0 | 42 |
| 2022 | LAA | 1-0 | 1.59 | 12 | 1 | 8 |
Note: W-L Record = Wins-Losses Record
FAQs
How common are shoulder injuries among baseball players?
Shoulder injuries are relatively common among baseball players, particularly pitchers. The repetitive motion of throwing a baseball at high velocity puts a lot of strain on the shoulder joint, which can lead to injuries like rotator cuff tears and shoulder impingements.
What is the typical recovery time for shoulder inflammation?
The recovery time for shoulder inflammation can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the individual player’s recovery process. In many cases, players are able to return to the field after a few weeks of rest and rehabilitation. However, more severe cases may require longer recovery periods and potentially surgery.
Has Tepera suffered from shoulder injuries in the past?
There is no indication that Tepera has suffered from shoulder injuries in the past. However, as a veteran pitcher, he has likely experienced his fair share of minor injuries and setbacks over the course of his career.
What is Tepera’s contract situation with the Angels?
Tepera signed a two-year, $14 million contract with the Angels in March of 2022. His injury will likely impact his ability to play and contribute to the team in the short term, but he remains under contract for the remainder of the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
What are some factors that can impact a player’s recovery from a shoulder injury?
Some factors that can impact a player’s recovery from a shoulder injury include the severity of the injury, the player’s age and overall health, the type of treatment and rehabilitation they receive, and their dedication to following their recovery plan. Working with qualified medical professionals and taking a cautious and measured approach to returning to the field can also be important in ensuring a successful recovery.
Conclusion
Ryan Tepera’s shoulder injury is a setback for both him and the Angels, as he was expected to play a key role in the team’s bullpen. The injury highlights the physical demands of playing professional baseball, particularly for pitchers who rely heavily on their arms.
Tepera’s prospects for returning to the game and pitching at a high level will depend on the severity of his injury and his ability to make a full recovery.
The Angels will need to find suitable replacements in the bullpen to compensate for his absence, which could impact the team’s performance in the short term.
Overall, Tepera’s injury serves as a reminder of the importance of staying healthy and taking care of one’s body in professional sports.
While his future with the Angels and in the league is uncertain, his determination and resilience suggest that he will continue to work hard to return to the game and contribute to his team’s success.
