🚨 Injury Woes Mount for Guardians as Key Arms Remain Sidelined
Date: May 7, 2025
By: The Corner Wire Staff
The Cleveland Guardians are navigating a challenging stretch in the 2025 season, grappling with a series of injuries that have sidelined several key pitchers. As the team strives to maintain its competitive edge, the absence of these players is being keenly felt.
🩺 Current Injury Report
- Shane Bieber: The ace right-hander is on the 60-day injured list due to a right UCL tear. He threw a live batting practice session on May 2 at the Arizona Complex, but manager Stephen Vogt indicated that Bieber still “has a ways to go” before returning to game action. [MLB.com]
- Trevor Stephan: Also on the 60-day IL following UCL reconstruction surgery. Stephan threw live batting practice on May 2, with another session planned as part of his ongoing rehab. [MLB.com]
- Paul Sewald: The veteran reliever is on the 15-day IL with a right posterior deltoid strain. He suffered the injury on April 28 and will be re-evaluated at two-week intervals to assess his progress. [MLB.com]
- Erik Sabrowski: The left-hander is on the 60-day IL due to left elbow inflammation. After experiencing increased soreness in late April, he took a break from mound activity but has since returned to throwing and is expected to resume mound work this week. [MLB.com]
- Slade Cecconi: On the 15-day IL with a left oblique strain since March 27. In his second rehab start with Triple-A Columbus on May 6, Cecconi threw 61 pitches over four innings, allowing three runs on five hits. He’s scheduled to start again on May 11. [MLB.com]
🔍 Impact on the Team
The absence of these pitchers has tested the depth of the Guardians’ bullpen and starting rotation. Bieber’s role as the staff ace means his prolonged absence leaves a significant void. Stephan and Sewald’s injuries have further strained the bullpen, requiring less experienced pitchers to step into high-leverage situations.
Manager Stephen Vogt has emphasized the importance of a “next man up” mentality, but the cumulative effect of these injuries is evident in the team’s recent performances. The Guardians have had to rely heavily on their farm system and depth players to navigate this period.
🗓️ Looking Ahead
As the Guardians continue their series against the Washington Nationals, the team hopes for positive updates on their injured players. The upcoming schedule doesn’t offer much respite, making the potential return of any of these pitchers a significant boost.
Fans can stay updated on the latest injury news and roster moves through the Guardians’ official channels and MLB.com’s dedicated injury report.