Cleveland Guardians left-hander John Means, who signed as a free agent back in February when he was in earlier stages of his Tommy John surgery rehab, has been advancing in his recovery process in the last few days.
Last Saturday, he pitched two innings in a ‘bridge’ game, and on Wednesday, he had a bullpen session in which he threw all his pitches.
He is just about ready for the next step in his rehab: starting games in the Guardians’ minor league system.
The organization announced the start of Means’ rehab assignment: it will be with the Lake County Captains of High-A on Friday night.
“JOHN MEANS BUSINESS… AND HE’S STARTING HIS GUARDIANS JOURNEY IN LAKE COUNTY. Tomorrow, the big league lefty makes his rehab start right here,” the Captains posted on X.
JOHN MEANS BUSINESS… AND HE’S STARTING HIS GUARDIANS JOURNEY IN LAKE COUNTY.
tomorrow, the big league lefty makes his rehab start right here.
don't just hear about it: BE HERE.
🎟️ https://t.co/0se6ff9LhV pic.twitter.com/LQAh847vlg
— Lake County Captains (@LCCaptains) August 14, 2025
The Guardians signed Means to a one-year, $1 million contract with a $7.5 million club option for 2026.
They knew that 2025 was a roll of the dice, with everything that Tommy John surgery rehab brings with it.
There is a very good chance that Means, who has a 3.68 career ERA and can give Cleveland something close to an ace if fully healthy, can help their postseason quest at some point in September.
He needs to build some stamina in the minor leagues first, though, and that journey starts on Friday in High-A.
As long as he can show he can get minor leaguers out, he will climb up the ladder until reaching the majors.
If he impresses in 2025, the Guardians have the option to bring him back on a cheap deal for the 2026 campaign.
NEXT: Guardians' Rehabbing Starter Uses All His Pitches In Recent Session
