The Cleveland Guardians remain one of the best teams in the American League.
Their 45-26 record is the third-best in the junior circuit, only behind the two AL East powerhouses: the New York Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles.
Still, even with that excellent record and their comfy 5.5-game lead in the AL Central, the Guards need more starting pitching.
The unit hasn’t been as consistent as hoped, and has lost multiple stars due to injury (most notably Shane Bieber).
A rehabbing pitcher, Gavin Williams, is nearing a return.
However, he will make at least one additional start in the minor leagues, according to a team insider.
“#Guardians RHP Gavin Williams will make his next rehab start Friday for Double-A Akron,” Guardians Prospective tweeted.
#Guardians RHP Gavin Williams will make his next rehab start Friday for Double-A Akron. https://t.co/pwCKuG8XEf
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) June 20, 2024
Since hurting his elbow in a workout incident during spring training, Williams has been on the shelf, watching his teammates dominate.
Now, more than ever, the team needs him to return and show the same effectiveness he had last season.
In 2023, as a rookie, Williams posted a brilliant 3.29 ERA in 82 innings.
His rehab assignment hasn’t been particularly smooth, as he has covered just eight frames in four starts with a 7.88 ERA.
He does have 15 strikeouts, but also five walks so he hasn’t been very sharp.
The hope is that he finally turns the corner results-wise on Friday so he can be in consideration for manager Stephen Vogt to rejoin the Guardians as soon as possible.
Williams – if he is at or near 100 percent, that is – would give the team another consistent option to navigate one of the toughest parts of the season.
NEXT: Guardians Insider Explains Stephen Vogt's Bond With Willie Mays
