Lost in the big sea of talented relievers that the Cleveland Guardians bullpen was last year was right-hander Andrew Walters.
He certainly made a strong impression late in the season, with 8.2 scoreless frames and six strikeouts.
That, and the 2.32 ERA (plus the 79 punchouts) he posted in 50.1 frames between Double-A and Triple-A earned him a spot on the postseason roster, where he was a factor.
He entered spring training this year with the goal of establishing himself as a go-to guy for manager Stephen Vogt.
Unfortunately, a shoulder injury nagged him for a few days.
Thankfully, it was nothing major, as he threw a bullpen session on Sunday in preparation for the season ahead.
“Cleveland #Guardians RHP Andrew Walters threw a bullpen session today. Walters has been experiencing some right shoulder stiffness. He was shut down after his outing on 2/24/25,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Cleveland #Guardians RHP Andrew Walters threw a bullpen session today. Walters has been experiencing some right shoulder stiffness. He was shutdown after his outing on 2/24/25.
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) March 9, 2025
The insider describes his ailment as ‘stiffness,’ which is way better than soreness, discomfort, or pain.
It looks like the Guardians shut him down for a couple of weeks and the rest did the trick.
We will have to watch out for reports on how his shoulder is feeling in the next couple of days, but it looks like Cleveland dodged a bullet here.
If he is fully healthy, Walters has difference-making stuff.
He is part of the embarrassment of riches that is the Guardians’ bullpen.
Don’t look now, but Walters has All-Star potential if given a prominent role.
That, of course, will depend almost entirely on himself and how good he can be in his sophomore season.
NEXT: Guardians Infielder Extends Hot Streak At The Plate
