The Cleveland Guardians are continuing to sort through key roster questions as Opening Day approaches, and one of the more important situations involves Hunter Gaddis.
While there has been uncertainty surrounding his availability, a recent update suggests things may be trending in the right direction.
Gaddis recently appeared in a minor league spring training game, an encouraging step after dealing with forearm discomfort earlier this month.
“Cleveland Guardians RHP Hunter Gaddis did pitch in a minor league spring training game Saturday. Gaddis is likely to start the season on the injured list but it should be a short stay as far as everything continues to progress well in his rehab,” Guardians Perspective wrote.
Cleveland #Guardians RHP Hunter Gaddis did pitch in a minor league spring training game Saturday. Gaddis is likely to start the season on the injured list but it should be a short stay as far as everything continues to progress well in his rehab.
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) March 22, 2026
Gaddis had previously been shut down after reporting tightness, which immediately raised concerns about his status for the regular season. However, imaging results came back clean.
With Opening Day just days away, Cleveland does not need to rush one of its key bullpen arms back into action. Instead, they can allow him to fully work back up to speed while opening opportunities for other relievers to step into larger roles early in the season.
If Gaddis does begin the year on the injured list, pitchers like Shawn Armstrong, Erik Sabrowski, or Matt Festa could see increased roles.
Gaddis has become a valuable piece of their pitching staff, and having him available for the majority of the season will be critical to their success.
While he may not be ready for Opening Day, all signs suggest his absence could be brief.
And if that proves to be the case, the Guardians could soon have one of their key bullpen contributors back in the mix sooner rather than later.
NEXT: Insider Believes Guardians Prospect Won’t Be In Minors Long
