The Cleveland Guardians got back on track Saturday with an impressive 6-0 win over the Atlanta Braves. The offense once again showed signs of getting into a solid groove, but it was the pitching staff that truly shined as Parker Messick and three relievers combined for Cleveland’s first shutout win of the year.
The bullpen delivered a much-needed shutdown performance on the heels of Messick’s brilliant 6.2-inning scoreless outing. Heading into the year, the bullpen had a few question marks due to Emmanuel Clase’s likely permanent absence and Hunter Gaddis’ injury, but the latter issue should be resolved any day now.
MLB.com’s Tim Stebbins shared that Gaddis is now with the team in Atlanta. While he is still on the IL, he could be activated during the road trip.
“Hunter Gaddis has joined the Guardians in Atlanta. The Georgia native remains on the IL and is not active tonight, but it appears there’s a chance he could be activated during this road trip. Team is taking it day by day,” said Stebbins on X.
Hunter Gaddis has joined the Guardians in Atlanta. The Georgia native remains on the IL and is not active tonight, but it appears there's a chance he could be activated during this road trip. Team is taking it day by day.
— Tim Stebbins (@tim_stebbins) April 11, 2026
Aside from Erik Sabrowski, Tim Herrin, and Shawn Armstrong, everyone else in Cleveland’s bullpen has already had at least one rocky outing. It hasn’t been the sort of dominance fans have grown accustomed to over the past few years, but Gaddis’ return should help everyone settle into a more consistent role.
Gaddis has been a staple in this pen and has appeared in 151 games over the past two years to the tune of a 2.29 ERA. Cleveland’s road trip has four games left and will head to St. Louis for three games with the Cardinals on Monday, which could be the time we see Gaddis’ 2026 debut.
Gaddis made five appearances during his rehab assignment in Triple-A Columbus, most recently on Thursday, and reported no issues with his health. However, his velocity was down and he had a 10.38 ERA in 4.1 innings, so it’s likely that Stephen Vogt brings him along slowly before turning the seventh or eighth innings over to him.
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