The Cleveland Guardians are seeing encouraging signs from veteran left-hander John Means as he continues his comeback from two Tommy John surgeries.
The former Baltimore Orioles All-Star has been working through an extended rehab process, with the organization taking a measured approach to his return.
Means delivered his most impressive outing yet during a Friday rehab start with High-A Lake County against the Peoria Chiefs.
He threw 2.2 scoreless innings while allowing just one hit and striking out three batters.
He needed only 38 pitches to get through his work, with 30 landing for strikes.
Cleveland #Guardians LHP John Means struckout three Peoria batters tonight over 2.2 scoreless innings of work for Lake County in his rehab start.
Line – 2.2(IP) 1H 0R 0ER 0BB 3SO
(38 Pitches 30 Strikes)#GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/ZTyZLjfeIx
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) August 15, 2025
The performance showcased the command that made Means an All-Star in 2019.
He retired eight of the first nine hitters he faced.
The lone hit came on a first-inning single as opposing batters struggled against his fastball and breaking ball combination.
Manager Stephen Vogt and the Cleveland coaching staff have been cautious with Means throughout his recovery.
They have gradually increased his workload while monitoring his progress closely.
Friday’s start demonstrated exactly what the Guardians hope to see from the southpaw.
Means showed the ability to throw strikes consistently while generating swings and misses.
Those qualities could provide valuable depth to a rotation that needs reinforcement for a potential postseason run.
His track record includes notable achievements from his time in Baltimore.
Means threw a no-hitter in 2021 and has shown he can handle significant innings when healthy.
That veteran presence could prove crucial if his rehab continues progressing smoothly.
The Guardians currently have Tanner Bibee and Gavin Williams anchoring their rotation.
Means faces questions about his ultimate role and workload limitations as September approaches.
The team remains optimistic while prioritizing his full recovery above all else.
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