News and Notes for Saturday, March 22, 2025.
The Cleveland Guardians starting day roster is dwindling down to its Opening Day iteration. Juan Brito, Angel Martínez, and Johnathan Rodríguez were optioned to the Columbus Clippers. RHP Luis Frías, RHP Brad Hanner, RHP Zak Kent, and Micah Pries were reassigned to Minor League camp. Christian Cairo was also assigned to Minor League camp after being a Rule 5 Draft pick that was returned from Braves organization. Parker Mushinski, Dom Nuñez, Kolby Allard, and Vince Velasquez are also not making the Opening Day roster, but will remain in the major league camp until the end of Spring Training. The position players are pretty much set, so all eyes are on the rotation and who will fill out the starting spots.
Kolby Allard and Vince Velasquez have upward mobility clauses in their contracts. If another team offers them a 40-man spot by the end of the day today, they will have to be released from the Guardians.
Kyle Manzardo was scratched from yesterday’s lineup out of precaution due to left shoulder inflammation. No word on what that means exactly and there are no updates at the time of writing.
MLB Network highlighted the Guardians pitching staff as they discussed the potential AL Central difference makers.
“What the bullpen did last season wasn’t normal, it was historic.”@carlymascitti shares some thoughts on expectations for the @CleGuardians in 2025, following a strong run to the ALCS last year.#MLBTonight | #WomensHistoryMonth pic.twitter.com/yFdnfMsFey
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) March 21, 2025
Around the League:
Yu Darvish will be starting the season on the IL with elbow issues.