Stephen (shoulder) is expected to throw a two-inning live batting practice on Monday, MLB.com reports.
This will be the second live BP for Stephen, who threw one last Friday. The 22-year-old right-hander was traded from the Blue Jays to the Guardians in the Shane Bieber trade. Stephen had a breakout campaign in 2025, dominating Single-A and High-A hitters before reaching Double-A New Hampshire. It was there that he was hit by shoulder impingement after one start and landed on the 7-day injured list prior to being traded. Assuming he returns at some point in September, Stephen could get at least two starts in for Double-A Akron.
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Guardians' Khal Stephen: Dealt for Bieber
Rotowire
The Guardians acquired Stephen (shoulder) from the Guardians on Thursday in exchange for right-hander Shane Bieber (elbow), Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.
Stephen, a 22-year-old righty who was drafted in the second round of the 2024 First-Year Player Draft, has had an excellent season across three levels of the minors. He dominated Single-A and High-A hitters alike (1.75 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, 97:17 K:BB in 87.2 innings) before earning a promotion to Double-A New Hampshire on July 20. He made one start for New Hampshire and landed on the 7-day injured list July 24 with a shoulder impingement that is considered mild, per SI.com. Stephen's 5.1 percent walk rate on the season illustrates his pinpoint control, and he has a full starter's repertoire, highlighted by a fastball with good carry that touches 96 miles per hour.
Stephen was promoted to Double-A New Hampshire on Sunday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.
Stephen will take a step up to Double-A after producing a 1.49 ERA and 0.85 WHIP with 49 strikeouts over 48.1 innings in nine starts with High-A Vancouver this year. The 22-year-old has already climbed from Single-A Dunedin to Double-A this year, and he'll set his sights on taking another step to Triple-A Buffalo by the end of the season.
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Blue Jays' Khal Stephen: Dominant at High-A
Rotowire
Stephen struck out a career-high 11 for High-A Vancouver on Tuesday, allowing two runs (one earned) one three hits over six innings. He didn't walk a batter.
The 22-year-old right-hander hasn't missed a beat since his promotion to the Northwest League, and over three starts for Vancouver, Stephen has posted a 3.21 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 16:3 K:BB through 14 innings. A second-round pick in the 2024 First-Year Player Draft, the Mississippi State product made his pro debut at Single-A this season and is racing up the ladder on the strength of a mid-90s fastball, a potentially plus changeup and strong control and command.
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Blue Jays' Khal Stephen: Overmatching FSL hitters
Rotowire
Stephen gave up one run on one hit and one walk while striking out nine over six innings for Single-A Dunedin on Thursday.
The 22-year-old Mississippi State product, selected in the second round of the 2024 First-Year Player Draft, has perhaps predictably been too much for Florida State League hitters to begin his pro career. Through two starts, Stephen has a 15:2 K:BB in 11 innings and has allowed only three hits, leading to a 0.82 ERA and 0.45 WHIP. A quick promotion to High-A Vancouver should be coming for the right-hander, although the organization is likely waiting for the weather to be less of an issue in the Pacific Northwest before elevating Stephen.
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