The Cleveland Guardians have had a busy week dealing with Shane Bieber’s rehab and his recent setback.
Unfortunately, there is more bad news to share on Friday, and they are also injury-related.
Their backup catcher, Austin Hedges, is dealing with concussion-like symptoms and has been placed on the 7-day injured list specially designed for that.
“The Guardians placed Austin Hedges on the 7-day concussion IL and selected catcher Dom Nuñez from Triple-A Columbus. Nuñez is catching tonight. Andrew Walters was transferred to the 60-day IL to make room for Nuñez on the 40-man,” Guardians insider Tim Stebbins posted on X.
The Guardians placed Austin Hedges on the 7-day concussion IL and selected catcher Dom Nuñez from Triple-A Columbus. Nuñez is catching tonight.
Andrew Walters was transferred to the 60-day IL to make room for Nuñez on the 40-man.
— Tim Stebbins (@tim_stebbins) June 6, 2025
According to Guardians reporter Chris Assenheimer, it’s the fifth concussion of Hedges’ career.
Guardians are placing Austin Hedges on the seven-day injured list with a concussion — the fifth of his career.
— Chris AssenheimerC-T (@CAwesomeheimer) June 6, 2025
The team is being cautious and following MLB’s guidelines when dealing with this type of injury.
Hedges is hitting .113/.217/.283 with a 44 wRC+ in 61 plate appearances this year.
The offensive performance might seem disappointing, and it is, but he is on the roster for his intangibles, clubhouse presence, and excellent work behind the plate.
Hedges is a great framer and blocker, and his communication with the pitching staff is optimal.
As for Nunez, he will have a good opportunity to get some playing time.
He is on Friday’s lineup against the Houston Astros, as the Guardians give Bo Naylor a breather.
He is hitting ninth.
Nunez hasn’t played in the majors since 2022, when he was with the Colorado Rockies.
As a major leaguer, he accumulates a .180/.280/.373 batting line with a 58 wRC+.
He isn’t much of a batting average threat, but can occasionally send a ball over the fence.
NEXT: Guardians Announce New Plan For Shane Bieber's Rehab
