The Cleveland Guardians are facing significant challenges with their pitching staff ahead of the 2024 MLB season. Daniel Espino, a top prospect for the team, underwent right shoulder surgery and will not pitch for the second straight year, expected to miss the entire season. This marks the second consecutive year Espino will be sidelined due to injury. Additionally, Trevor Stephan, another pitcher for the Guardians, requires UCL surgery on his right elbow, and Williams is set to start the season on the injured list, further depleting the team's bullpen and rotation options. The Guardians announced these injuries, highlighting the impact on their pitching lineup. Meanwhile, in other MLB news, several players are making progress towards recovery from their injuries. Bradish of the Orioles expressed optimism about returning to pitch this season after throwing 20 fastballs in a bullpen session. Alex Cobb of the Giants is set to throw two innings in a minor league game, with a potential return in April. Kevin Gausman also showed positive signs in his recovery, throwing 23 pitches in a live BP session. However, the Giants face challenges as LHP Ethan Small will miss several weeks with an oblique strain, and the team remains pretty light on left-handed relievers.
#SFGiants offseason trade pickup will be out of action for a while with an oblique strain https://t.co/ubp19xb0SP https://t.co/yewx0HhI6e
Giants confirmed among 4/5 teams at Blake Snell throwing session. SF has improved lineup but 2 injuries in rotation. @Feinsand on it
Blake Snell threw four simulated innings on Friday in Seattle in front of scouts from teams including the Giants and Astros, per source. Those in attendance were said to be impressed with how ready he looks.
From @ShaynaRubin Can Luis Matos crack Giants’ Opening Day roster despite crowded outfield? https://t.co/XMjyhTyPv8 via @sfchronicle
Kevin Gausman threw one inning of live BP, 23 pitches. Schneider: “He looked great. Velo was there, 91, 94, a couple of strikeouts. Looked much more like himself, so that was really encouraging.” Gausman has yet to appear in a game (shoulder). Hoping to build to 70 pitches.
Bochy: Corey Seager might be ready for Opening Day https://t.co/HcpgLG76rX
One leading candidate for SF Giants bullpen ruled out for Opening Day https://t.co/zIhs5Dnfwh
Alex Cobb will throw 2 innings in a minor league game tomorrow, there's a real chance he returns in April at this point. LHP Ethan Small will miss several weeks with an oblique strain; Giants remain pretty light on LH relievers.
Guardians lose key reliever for season, have a starter that won't be ready for opening day https://t.co/V30zQEs5NB
Rough day for the Guardians’ pitching staff: Stephan to have surgery, Williams to start season on IL and Espino done for year. You can never have enough pitching.
How will Guardians navigate the latest injuries to their bullpen, rotation? (Podcast) https://t.co/UoWwyGKw8u
RHP prospect Daniel Espino has another surgery https://t.co/m2A6UlgnHn
Daniel Espino, Cleveland's No. 3 Prospect, underwent right shoulder surgery yesterday and is expected to miss the 2024 season, the club announced today. More details: https://t.co/PvrnuqXhw1 https://t.co/l1HWTkx23h
RHP Daniel Espino suffered injuries to right shoulder capsule and rotator cuff. Will not pitch for the 2nd straight year. RHP Trevor Stephan needs UCL surgery reconstruction on right elbow.
Guardians' Trevor Stephan, Daniel Espino To Undergo Surgery https://t.co/HkrThk4WFl https://t.co/F9bchOEmke
Guardians prospect Daniel Espino done for season following shoulder surgery. Former first-round pick has been derailed by injuries.
Bradish said he threw 20 fastballs yesterday in bullpen. Felt good. Will do it again in a few days. Remains optimistic he will pitch this season #orioles