The Cleveland Guardians are grappling with significant setbacks in their pitching roster as they approach the upcoming season. Trevor Stephan, a crucial reliever set to support All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase, will undergo ulnar collateral ligament reconstructive surgery in the coming weeks.
The Guardians announced this development on Thursday, further revealing that right-hander Gavin Williams will commence the season on the injured list. This news comes on the heels of hard-throwing Daniel Espino’s second shoulder surgery since being drafted in 2019.
Cleveland had high hopes for Williams to build upon his promising rookie season. However, elbow discomfort stemming from an awkward throw with a weighted ball last week has sidelined the 24-year-old, preventing him from preparing adequately for the season opener. Williams posted a 3-5 record with a 3.29 ERA across 16 starts last year.
Despite seeking multiple opinions and exploring conservative treatments during spring training, Stephan’s persistent discomfort in his right elbow prompted further examinations.
Doctors concluded that Stephan’s UCL lacked sufficient stability, leading to additional stress on his bony structure. The 28-year-old Stephan recorded a 7-7 record with a 4.06 ERA in 71 appearances last season.
Meanwhile, Espino faces an extended absence following surgery to address issues with his right shoulder and rotator cuff. Although no specific timeline for his recovery was provided, the Guardians anticipate that Espino will miss the entire season.
Chris Antonetti, Cleveland’s president of baseball operations, expressed deep regret over Espino’s setback, acknowledging the pitcher’s unwavering commitment to his rehabilitation efforts. Despite appearing in just four games at the Double-A level in 2022, Espino encountered shoulder soreness during his recovery from knee tendinitis, culminating in his second shoulder surgery.
