Cleveland Guardians Designate Two Pitchers For Assignment
The Cleveland Guardians have made a few 40-man roster moves this offseason ahead of the 2023 MLB Rule 5 Draft.
After addressing offense with the additions of outfielder Johnathan Rodríguez, first baseman/outfielder Alfonso Rivas, and catcher Christian Bethancourt, the Guardians have made a pair of transactions involving pitchers.
Today, Cleveland announced that pitching prospects Daniel Espino and Cade Smith have been selected to its 40-man roster.
In a corresponding move, both Cal Quantrill and Michael Kelly have been designated for assignment.
Quantrill was acquired from the San Diego Padres in 2020 in the Mike Clevinger trade.
In four seasons with the Guardians, Quantrill made 99 appearances (75 starts). The 28-year-old went 27-15 with a 3.58 ERA, 320 strikeouts, and 1.25 WHIP.
Across the 2021 and 2022 seasons, he had a combined 23-8 record, as he became a staple in Cleveland’s starting rotation.
However, injuries led to a tough 2023 season for Quantrill, as he went 4-7 with a career-high 5.24 ERA in 19 starts. Despite his setbacks this year, the right-hander ended his season on a high note, going 2-1 with a 2.76 ERA and 1.26 WHIP in six September starts.
Sep 1, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Cal Quantrill (47) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Progressive Field.
© Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
The Guardians signed Kelly to a Minor League contract this past January.
The 31-year-old made 14 relief appearances for Cleveland this season, going 1-0 with a 3.78 ERA, 16 strikeouts, 1.32 WHIP, and .210 opposing batting average.
Before being signed by the Guardians, the right-hander made four relief appearances with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2022, recording a 2.25 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and .214 opposing batting average.
