CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Guardians are no strangers to untimely injuries in their starting rotation over the last several years, and that trend continued on Tuesday.
Hours before Carlos Carrasco was set to make the start tonight against the New York Mets, the team announced that he has been placed on the 15-day injured list. According to multiple reports, Carrasco is suffering from "acute neck spasms." Xzavion Curry has been recalled from Columbus to start in Carrasco's place.
Curry has a single appearance for the Guardians this year on April 15 in a spot start against the Boston Red Sox. Curry dominated in five innings pitched allowing zero runs, two hits while striking out three. That's the pitcher the Guardians hope to get, because his minor league numbers tell a completely different story. Curry has struggled mightily in Columbus sporting an eye-watering 8.79 ERA in six starts for the Clippers. He's given up 28 earned runs and 11 home runs in only 28.2 innings pitched.
Steven Kwan rehab update
We learned more positive news in the rehab process of Guardians golf glove left fielder Steven Kwan. He was seen running the bases at Progressive Field this afternoon.
The Guards have been without Kwan since May 5 after he was sent to the injured list with a strained left hamstring. At the time of the injury, Kwan was leading the AL in hitting.
Kwan was seen taking batting practice before Monday's game against the Mets. Signs remain positive for Kwan to potentially beat the one month outlook that was initially reported when he was placed on the injured list.
J-Rod to make MLB debut
Yesterday, the Guardians called up their #16 prospect, right fielder Johnathan Rodríguez. Tonight, he is set to make his major league debut, starting in right field and batting 7th in the lineup.
In 43 games for the Clippers, Rodríguez has slashed .276/.389/.449 with an .838 OPS. He has hit 7 home runs and driven in 28 RBI while playing in a majority of games in the corner outfield spots.
Rodríguez, along with Kyle Manzardo, made waves throughout the Guardians organization and fanbase with their performances at the plate for the Clippers in the first few months of the 2024 International League season. It's only fitting that Rodríguez makes his debut batting right next to Manzardo in the Guardians lineup. A duo that has all the potential inflict a lot of damage to opposing pitching staffs for years to come.