The Cleveland Guardians have been, to this point, one of the best and most consistent teams in the American League.
However, starting pitching might be starting to become an issue.
Shane Bieber has been lost for the season, Triston McKenzie’s elbow is a ticking bomb, and Xzavion Curry and Logan Allen have struggled in recent outings.
Perhaps more than ever, the Guards need Gavin Williams back from the injured list.
After injuring his elbow in March and feeling renewed soreness in late-April, the right-hander is finally ready to start a rehab assignment.
Wednesday was the day in which he was supposed to take the ball, but his return to the mound was delayed.
No, thankfully, it’s not injury-related.
“Gavin Williams had his rehab start with Columbus rained out,” the AP’s Tom Withers tweeted.
Gavin Williams had his rehab start with Columbus rained out.
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) May 30, 2024
Well, there you have it.
Williams is still healthy, still expected to take the ball on Thursday as part of a doubleheader in Triple-A.
Outside of McKenzie, Ben Lively, and Tanner Bibee, the Guardians starters haven’t really been all that trustworthy.
Having Williams, who posted a 3.29 ERA last year in 82 innings as a rookie, would certainly be a boost for the unit.
There is still a chance that Cleveland has to look for a starter ahead of the trade deadline, but getting Williams to return to full health and top form would be huge.
He will likely need three or four rehab starts at the very least, so the Guards are not expecting him back for a couple of weeks.
He is getting closer, though.
NEXT: Guardians Bid Farewell To Struggling Player Who Was Released
