The Cleveland Guardians’ pitching staff has shut out the Milwaukee Brewers for two straight games, so it’s safe to say the team is firing on all cylinders.
At 25-17, they have the second-best record in the American League behind the Detroit Tigers, without two All-Star caliber players: Shane Bieber and David Fry.
As you probably remember, Fry underwent Tommy John surgery in November and has been rehabbing ever since.
Tommy John surgery is a bit different for hitters: it doesn’t automatically wipe out a year and a half as it does for pitchers.
As part of his rehab, Fry was able to play in a minor league game for the first time this year on Tuesday, a huge step towards a return in a few weeks.
“Cleveland #Guardians UTL David Fry was lifted for a pinch-hitter in the 8th inning tonight in the Arizona Complex League. Fry finished 0-3 with a strikeout in his three plate appearances in his first rehab game,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Cleveland #Guardians UTL David Fry was lifted for a pinch-hitter in the 8th inning tonight in the Arizona Complex League.
Fry finished 0-3 with a strikeout in his three plate appearances in his first rehab game.
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) May 14, 2025
Results-wise, it wasn’t a brilliant performance, but that’s the least important thing right now.
The biggest takeaway is that the 2024 All-Star was able to play a game almost until the end.
The Guardians will keep taking things slow with him, giving him a chance to hit his stride in a low-stress environment.
If he doesn’t experience any setbacks, expect the team to slowly promote him through the system in short order, and then get a few days or even weeks’ worth of at-bats in Triple-A Columbus.
Fry’s versatility, ability to catch, and underrated bat would be assets to Cleveland once he returns.
Last year, he posted a rock-solid .804 OPS in 122 games.
He will fit right in when the time comes.
NEXT: Guardians Lefty Extended Recent Successful Run On Tuesday
