The Cleveland Guardians have already lost Shane Bieber for the year with an injury, and Triston McKenzie’s elbow might be a ticking bomb, too.
They have also been without Gavin Williams all season to this point, as he recovers from an elbow injury suffered while training back in March.
The Guardians have been very careful with Williams because he has already felt renewed soreness after throwing, which led to him being shut down for a few days.
Those days are in the past, though, as he is currently inching closer to facing hitters.
“Cleveland #Guardians RHP Gavin Williams (right elbow) threw a 50-pitch bullpen session Wednesday and did not feel any lingering discomfort or pain. Williams is set to throw his next bullpen on Friday,” Guardians Prospective tweeted.
Cleveland #Guardians RHP Gavin Williams (right elbow) threw a 50-pitch bullpen session Wednesday and did not feel any lingering discomfort or pain. Williams is set to throw his next bullpen on Friday.
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) May 16, 2024
A 50-pitch throwing session with no renewed soreness is music to the Guardians’ ears.
It means he is getting closer to throwing live batting practice or simulated games, then some minor league rehab games.
If everything goes according to the plan and there are no further setbacks, we could be talking about a June return for the talented right-hander.
Williams was particularly impressive last year with the Guardians, throwing 82 innings of a 3.29 ERA.
He is one of the most talented young pitchers in the American League and a big part of the Guardians future.
That, of course, will depend on the health of his right elbow, among other things.
If he makes a successful return, he could replace Ben Lively or, most likely, Carlos Carrasco in the Guardians rotation.
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