It is early in the season, though sometimes it is vital for clubs to make moves to change the culture and direction of the team. Sometimes shaking things up is what is best for the clubhouse and can turn things around. The Guardians currently sit in second place in the Central Division with a record of 12 wins and 13 losses. The team is three games back of the Minnesota Twins. We are only seven days into May and the Guardians have been busy moving around their roster.
On May 2nd the Guardians optioned right-handed pitcher Anthony Castro to Columbus, designated first baseman Bobby Bradley and left-handed pitcher Logan Allen for assignment. The next day, the Guardians signed free-agent outfielder Anthony Alford to a minor league contract. Alford is 27 years old and has played for the Toronto Blue Jays and the Pittsburgh Pirates. That same day, shortstop Yu Chang was sent on a rehab assignment to Columbus.
On May 4th, right-handed pitcher Anthony Castro was recalled from Columbus and then the next day was optioned back down to Columbus. The Orioles claimed left-handed pitcher Logan Allen off waivers and then the Guardians sent Bobby Bradley down to the Columbus Clippers since no team put in a waiver claim for his services. Today, the Guardians recalled right-handed pitcher Anthony Castro from Columbus. I have a feeling after today Castro might get sent down again, though that is the nature of this business.
The two bright sides to this Cleveland offense are Steven Kwan and Jose Ramirez. Kwan leads the team in batting average with a .328 average and an on-base percentage of .423. Ramirez leads the team with seven home runs, twenty-nine rbi’s, and twenty-nine hits. The team has the right manager to guide this team on the path to success. The players need to play better because no job is ever safe, someone can come in and play better and ultimately take away the job. Time will tell if this club can get it together and push for exciting and meaningful baseball come this summer.