⚾ Guardians Bolster Bullpen with Acquisition of Matt Festa

Date: April 30, 2025

📝 Trade Details

The Cleveland Guardians have acquired right-handed reliever Matt Festa from the Texas Rangers in exchange for cash considerations. The move aims to strengthen the Guardians’ bullpen amidst recent injuries to key pitchers.

🔍 Player Profile: Matt Festa

Festa, 32, brings experience to the Guardians’ pitching staff. In the 2024 season with the Rangers, he appeared in 45 games, posting a 3.68 ERA with 58 strikeouts over 51.1 innings. Known for his effective slider and ability to handle high-leverage situations, Festa is expected to provide depth and stability to Cleveland’s relief corps.

⚠️ Injury Updates Prompting the Move

The acquisition comes on the heels of several pitching setbacks for the Guardians:

• Paul Sewald was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right shoulder strain.
• Shane Bieber was transferred to the 60-day IL following elbow ligament reconstruction surgery.

These injuries have necessitated roster adjustments, including recalling left-hander Joey Cantillo and selecting the contract of right-hander Vince Velasquez from Triple-A Columbus.

📊 Guardians’ Bullpen Performance

Despite the challenges, the Guardians’ bullpen has shown resilience. Relievers like Emmanuel Clase and Cade Smith have stepped up, maintaining competitive performances in tight games.

🗓️ Next Up

Matchup: Cleveland Guardians vs. Minnesota Twins
Date: May 1, 2025
Time: 1:10 PM EDT
Starting Pitchers: Ben Lively (CLE) vs. Simeon Woods Richardson (MIN)