What's Happening?
John Means, a pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians, is nearing a return to Major League Baseball following his recovery from Tommy John surgery in June 2024. Means recently completed his fourth rehab start for Triple-A Columbus, pitching four innings and allowing one unearned run. He was signed by Cleveland to a one-year deal with a club option for 2026. The Guardians are considering a six-man rotation to accommodate Means' return, as they face a demanding schedule of 17 games in 17 days. Manager Stephen Vogt emphasized the importance of Means completing his rehab process before any decisions are made.
Why It's Important?
Means' return is significant for the Guardians as they navigate a challenging schedule and aim to bolster their pitching rotation. His experience and past performance, including a 3.68 ERA over seven seasons, could provide much-needed depth. The potential shift to a six-man rotation reflects the team's strategic planning to manage player workload and maintain performance levels. This decision could impact the Guardians' competitiveness in the league, especially during a critical stretch of games.
What's Next?
The Guardians will continue to monitor Means' progress and determine the best timing for his return to the major league roster. The team's management will weigh the benefits and drawbacks of a six-man rotation, considering the young pitching staff's workload. The upcoming expansion of active rosters to 28 players in September provides additional flexibility for the team to integrate Means effectively.
