On Wednesday, the Cleveland Guardians executed a trade that would eventually have major league roster implications.
They acquired right-hander Matt Festa from the Texas Rangers for cash considerations.
The right-hander was initially sent to Triple-A Columbus, but with the way Cleveland has been using pitchers in recent games, you could even feel an upcoming call-up.
That’s precisely what happened on Friday, before the game against the Toronto Blue Jays in Canada.
“Guardians’ roster move today: Selected contract of pitcher Matt Festa from AAA. Pitcher Vince Velasquez has been DFA’d,” Al Pawlowski posted on X.
Guardians’ roster move today:
Selected contract of pitcher Matt Festa from AAA.
Pitcher Vince Velasquez has been DFA’d.
— Al Pawlowski (@AlPawlowski) May 2, 2025
Velasquez didn’t pitch this week for Cleveland and lost his place on the 40-man roster to accommodate Festa, who is more suited for a relief pitching role.
Festa figures to see some action for Cleveland because they need multiple arms to cover innings.
They have played a lot of games recently, and it will be a while until their next day off.
Festa has been excellent for the Rangers’ Triple-A team to this point, with an immaculate 0.00 ERA in 14.2 innings.
He has accumulated 20 punchouts over that span.
The 32-year-old hurler has a career 4.60 ERA in 117.1 MLB innings.
He has pitched 108 games, 107 of which came in relief, with the Seattle Mariners, the New York Mets, and the Texas Rangers.
Festa could see some action in the Guardians’ weekend series in Canada, as they take on the Jays.
He doesn’t have overpowering stuff but knows how to pitch and could be aided by the Guardians’ excellent pitching development resources.
It was a no-risk move by president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti, one that could prove crucial in the upcoming weeks.
NEXT: Guardians Star Leaves Friday's Game With Injury
