The Cleveland Guardians’ rotation has been better than anticipated in 2025.
Even after losing Luis Ortiz and not having Shane Bieber make a start this year before getting traded, the unit has yielded a 4.04 ERA: not great, not bad, but right around league-average.
With their strong bullpen, the pitching has been a strength overall.
They have had to endure rough stretches with a lack of quality pitching depth, but here they are, with a 59-55 record and fighting with the Detroit Tigers for the AL Central.
They haven’t even had to use one of their spring training signings, Vince Velasquez, at the MLB level this year.
As a result, the Guardians sold his contract to a Korean team on Wednesday.
“Right-hander Vince Velasquez’s contract has been sold to the Lotte Giants in Korea. Velasquez went 5-4 with a 3.42 ERA in 18 starts for Triple-A Columbus. G’s invited him to ST on minor league deal as he recovered from TJ surgery,” team insider Paul Hoynes posted on X.
Right-hander Vince Velasquez's contract has been sold to the Lotte Giants in Korea. Velasquez went 5-4 with a 3.42 ERA in 18 starts for Triple-A Columbus. G's invited him to ST on minor league deal as he recovered from TJ surgery.
— paul hoynes (@hoynsie) August 6, 2025
Velasquez has been solid in Triple-A and will have a chance to participate in the competitive Korean league.
He is 100 percent recovered from his Tommy John surgery and has had a relatively injury-free year in Triple-A.
Velasquez had his contract selected by the Guardians on April 29, but didn’t pitch, got designated for assignment a few days later, and accepted an outright assignment to Triple-A Columbus, where he has spent the majority of the year.
The Guardians lose a quality depth arm, but Velasquez was aiming for a shot in a more competitive environment and got one on Wednesday.
NEXT: Guardians Young Ace Falls Just Short Of No-Hitter
