The Cleveland Guardians could get a reinforcement on the mound to close out the season.
John Means has yet to make his debut for the Guardians as he’s recovering from Tommy John surgery, and given his history of injuries and what’s at stake, the team is in no rush to bring him back.
That’s why, according to Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com, Means is going to take a little longer before returning to the majors.
“Lefty John Means signed a 10-day extension to his rehab assignment last week. It means he’ll make at least one more rehab start for the Guardians. It’s still unclear if he’ll make an appearance for them in the regular season. The Guardians hold a $6 million club option on his for 2026,” Hoynes wrote.
After seven seasons with the Baltimore Orioles, Means signed with the Guardians as a free agent this offseason.
He has plenty of experience, and he’s been sharp when he’s been healthy and at his best.
Then again, given the pressure of a pennant race, it makes sense that the Guardians will look to err on the side of caution.
Of course, it’s hard to envision any scenario in which they would send him to the mound in the playoffs if he doesn’t show he can pitch effectively in the regular season.
In addition, he would most likely be on a pitch count in his first couple of starts.
But if the Guardians like what they see and he gets a chance to make at least one start, he could be another useful arm for the final stretch of the campaign.
The Guardians always knew it would be a while before Means pitched for them.
Whether they will bring him back with the club option they have for next season remains to be seen, but there’s little risk and a potentially big reward.
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