The Cleveland Guardians are about to get some long-awaited reinforcements for their lineup and their bullpen. However, that also means other players will be leaving the team, at least for the time being.
Heading into their series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday, the Guardians will have back two key players who were injured during spring training. Now, 16 games into the regular season, they are set to come off the injured list.
According to Guards Insider, Cleveland is activating outfielder George Valera and pitcher Hunter Gaddis, while sending DH CJ Kayfus to Triple-A and designating pitcher Kolby Allard for assignment.
“OF George Valera: Activated from 10-day injured list. RHP Hunter Gaddis: Activated from 15-day injured list. 1B/OF CJ Kayfus: Optioned to Columbus (AAA). LHP Kolby Allard: Designated for assignment,” Guards Insider posted on X.
We’ve got some moves on a Monday. #GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/ubu8QBKWGC
— GuardsInsider (@GuardsInsider) April 13, 2026
Gaddis may be the most significant transaction among these changes. One of the best setup men in baseball over the previous two seasons, he was sidelined since late February after experiencing tightness in his forearm. After five rehab appearances for Columbus, he has been back with the Guardians since they started their road trip against the Atlanta Braves, in his home state of Georgia, but he is now able to contribute out of the bullpen.
To make room on the roster, the Guardians are parting with Allard, who had a 10.38 ERA and allowed 16 hits in 8.2 innings over four appearances. If the left-hander were to clear waivers, he could be retained by Cleveland, though it is unknown if that is the organization’s intention.
Valera was in contention for a potential starting role in the outfield before he suffered a calf injury. He had 34 at-bats during his rehab stint with Columbus, batting .294 with an .825 OPS, including two home runs among his 10 hits.
He will replace Kayfus, who is just one of several Guardians batting .200 or lower so far this season, a group that includes Kyle Manzardo. Kayfus has a slash line of .182/.280/.364, though he was 4-for-12 with a double and a home run in his past four appearances.
Valera is unlikely to enter the lineup right away with the Guardians facing left-handed starter Matthew Liberatore on Monday, though it shouldn’t take very long for him to make his 2026 season debut.
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