Injuries & Moves: McKenzie begins playing catch
LATEST NEWS
7/28/23 34 min ago
July 28: RHP Triston McKenzie begins throwing program
It's been a long wait for McKenzie, who was able to make just two starts after coming off the IL this year before going back on it, but he was finally given the green light to play catch on Friday afternoon.
"He was pretty excited," Guardians manager Terry Francona said. "I think all went well."
July 27: Guardians recall OF Oscar Gonzalez from Triple-A Columbus
With Amed Rosario's spot on the roster now available, the Guardians recalled Gonzalez from Triple-A Columbus on Thursday. When Noah Syndergaard is set to return from the injured list, the Guardians will need to make another move to add him to the active roster. Since Gonzalez was optioned to Triple-A on May 6, he's hit .275 with a .789 OPS.
July 26: SS Amed Rosario traded to the Dodgers in exchange for RHP Noah Syndergaard and cash
The Guardians added to their pitching depth by acquiring Syndergaard, who is currently on the injured list. By moving Rosario, Cleveland now has an opening at shortstop to evaluate guys like Tyler Freeman, Gabriel Arias and eventually Brayan Rocchio to see who might man that position for the foreseeable future.
INJURY UPDATES
10- and 15-day IL
RHP Cal Quantrill (right shoulder inflammation)
Expected return: TBD
Quantrill landed on the IL again just over a week after he was reinstated from the injured list with the same right shoulder ailment. He made two starts, giving up 11 runs in 7 2/3 innings, and struggled to get through his work in between his outings due to his nagging shoulder.
This time, he won't be shut down from throwing, but the Guardians are going to try to take their time with his recovery so that he doesn't rush back too quickly and have another hiccup. He's consistently been throwing bullpens, but has not scheduled a rehab assignment just yet. (Last updated: July 28)
60-day DL
RHP Triston McKenzie (right UCL sprain)
Expected return: Mid-September
McKenzie, who was scratched from his June 16 start vs. the D-backs with right elbow discomfort, was cleared to play catch and played catch for the first time on July 28 in Chicago. He has hopes of returning by the end of the season.
The right-hander started the season on the IL with a right teres major strain. He made his 2023 debut on June 4, but he only made two starts before landing on the IL again with the UCL sprain. After getting different opinions on the next steps for his injury at the end of June and the beginning of July, McKenzie eventually decided to avoid surgery. He was transferred to the 60-day IL on July 6. (Last updated: July 28)
RHP: Shane Bieber (right elbow inflammation)
Expected return: Mid-September
The Guardians began the second half of the season with difficult news. Bieber was sent for an MRI on his right forearm on July 14, and after an appointment with Dr. Keith Meister on July 16, it was decided that he wouldn't need surgery. He's expected to begin throwing at some point during the first week of August. (Last updated: July 28)
RHP Peyton Battenfield (left oblique strain)
Expected return: TBD
Battenfield threw 79 pitches over 4 1/3 innings in his first start at Triple-A, putting him on the doorstep of a return to the Majors. He allowed three runs on five hits and three walks with six strikeouts. With other injuries to the rotation, Battenfield's return to health could be a way the Guardians could help cover innings, but they don't want to rush him back.
Battenfield threw eight pregame pitches on the mound at Citi Field on May 19, but he felt like he was protecting his shoulder. Battenfield was placed on the 15-day injured list retroactive to May 18, and he received an injection roughly a week later, according to manager Terry Francona. (Last updated: July 19)
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