The Cleveland Guardians could get a star reinforcement.
However, they don’t know when that will happen.
John Means is taking big steps towards his recovery, and while Stephen Vogt didn’t want to make any promises about timelines or return dates, he confirmed to Cleveland.com’s Joe Noga that he definitely has plans for Means this season:
“When asked if Means could be an option for the major leagues this year, Vogt responded with ‘100%’ confidence, though he clarified that there is no specific timeline, and the Guardians will not rush the rehabilitation process,” Noga wrote.
Means is still recovering from Tommy John surgery.
The former Baltimore Orioles ace tossed 2.0 innings in a bridge game at the Arizona Complex League.
The Guardians signed him to a one-year contract with a team option for the upcoming season.
The 32-year-old hurler will continue to be evaluated by the medical staff in Arizona, but this was an encouraging sign that could put him on track to return to the mound this season.
Of course, he would most likely be on a strict pitch count, and the team would slowly ramp things up to get him ready for the playoffs.
Means has been one of the best pitchers in the game since he made his debut in 2018, logging a 3.68 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP in 78 appearances (73 starts).
Then again, availability has always been a concern with him, and it’s been three years since he’s pitched in more than five games for a full season, making ten combined appearances from 2022-24.
The Guardians will continue to take things slowly and err on the side of caution with him.
But if he’s healthy enough to be out there in the playoffs, he could give this red-hot team a huge boost on the mound.
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