🚨 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.

⚾ Guardians’ Injury Bug Bites Again: Ramírez, Bibee, and Bieber Updates

Published: May 5, 2025

The Cleveland Guardians are navigating a challenging stretch of the 2025 season, contending with a series of injuries to key players. As the team strives to maintain its competitive edge in the AL Central, updates on José Ramírez, Tanner Bibee, and Shane Bieber are at the forefront of discussions.

🩹 José Ramírez’s Ankle Sprain

On May 2, during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays, star third baseman José Ramírez exited in the third inning after sustaining a mild right ankle sprain. The injury occurred when Ramírez tripped over first base following an infield single, with a throw from pitcher Chris Bassitt hitting him on the back of the shoulder. Despite the fall, Ramírez was able to walk off the field under his own power. At the time, he was 2-for-2, raising his season batting average to .274 with five home runs and 15 RBIs over 31 games. The Guardians are exercising caution with Ramírez’s recovery, emphasizing the importance of his long-term health. (Reuters, Sports Illustrated)

⚠️ Tanner Bibee’s Early Exit

Starting pitcher Tanner Bibee left the May 4 game against the Blue Jays after five innings due to leg cramps. Bibee allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits, striking out three. The Guardians’ bullpen managed to preserve the lead, with closer Emmanuel Clase securing his seventh save. Bibee’s condition is being monitored, and further updates are expected as the team assesses his readiness for upcoming starts. (MLB.com)

🛠️ Shane Bieber’s Rehabilitation Progress

Right-handed pitcher Shane Bieber continues his recovery from a right UCL tear that placed him on the 60-day injured list retroactive to March 24. On May 2, Bieber threw a live batting practice session at the team’s Arizona complex, marking a positive step in his rehabilitation. Manager Stephen Vogt noted that while the session went well, Bieber still has progress to make before returning to game action. The team anticipates a midseason return for the former Cy Young Award winner. (MLB.com)

📊 Team Outlook

Despite these injury setbacks, the Guardians hold a 20-14 record, placing them second in the AL Central, 1.5 games behind the Detroit Tigers. The team’s resilience is evident as they continue to compete effectively, with contributions from both seasoned players and emerging talent. The upcoming series against the Washington Nationals will test the depth of the roster as the Guardians aim to maintain their momentum. (Baseball-Reference)

As the season progresses, the Guardians’ ability to adapt to these challenges will be crucial in their pursuit of postseason success.