The Cleveland Guardians might get some much-needed help at the best possible time.
John Means recently made his fourth start on his minor league rehab assignment, meaning that he’s inching closer to making his MLB season debut.
The left-hander went four innings, allowing one unearned run, two hits and two walks while striking out four.
He threw 37 strikes on 58 pitches and, according to Tim Stebbins of MLB.com, Means might be one rehab start away.
“Means (whom Cleveland signed to a one-year deal with a club option for 2026 on Feb. 19) appears to be getting close to a return to the majors, considering the uptick he has had in his volume to this point. Given that he has maxed out at 61 pitches (on Tuesday with Columbus), he would figure to be in line to make at least one more rehab start,” Stebbins wrote.
As things stand, the Guardians are using a rotation of Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams, Slade Cecconi, Logan Allen and Parker Messick.
Now, with rosters expanding to 28 players, the Guardians will be allowed to add another pitcher to the mix.
Manager Stephen Vogt was non-committal about potentially using a six-man rotation, adding that the No. 1 priority is to get Means back to full strength.
The lefty could be a prime rotation option as the team pursues an AL playoff berth.
The Guardians will play 17 games in 17 days, and they’ll later have seven games in six days after a one-day break.
Expecting Means to be the same pitcher he was in his heyday with the Baltimore Orioles might not be realistic after two Tommy John surgeries, but he could be a positive addition down the stretch.
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