Vince

Velasquez

Velasquez, 33, had returned from Tommy John to go 5-4 with a 3.42 ERA and a 95/50 K/BB in 81 2/3 innings for Triple-A Columbus this season. The nine-year major league veteran heads to Korea with a 38-51 record and a 4.88 ERA over nine big-league seasons.

Velasquez allowed three hits while striking out eight and walking two. He now has a 2.66 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 73/38 K/BB ratio in 64 1/3 innings in Triple-A this season. The Guardians haven’t needed much rotation depth this year, but Velasquez is certainly on the radar if they need another starter.

Velasquez went unclaimed on waivers after being designated for assignment last Friday by the Guardians. The 32-year-old veteran righty will stick around with Cleveland as extra organizational depth.

Velasquez is booted off the roster with the Guardians instead choosing to go with Matt Festa as a bullpen arm. The 32-year-old didn’t make an appearance after being promoted Tuesday, and assuming he goes unclaimed, he can either elect free agency or report back to Triple-A.

Velasquez is back in the majors 23 months after hurting his elbow and requiring surgery. He was off to a nice start for the Pirates in 2023 before the injury, amassing a 3.86 ERA in eight starts. Alas, his results in Triple-A this year have been a far cry from those; he had a 6.00 ERA and an 11/16 K/BB in 15 innings over four starts. He should be able to provide some length tonight if the Guardians need it after being blown out and throwing position players the last two days.

Brennan’s shot at making Cleveland’s season-opening roster evaporated last weekend when the club swung a trade with the Rockies to bring back corner outfielder Nolan Jones. He’ll open the regular season back in the minors, but should be the Guardians first call when injuries strike at the highest level.

The 32-year-old right-hander struck out one in the ballgame. All of the damage done against him came in the opening inning as Elly De La Cruz roped an RBI double and eventually scampered home on a wild pitch. Velasquez has already been informed that he won’t make the team’s Opening Day roster, but he’ll be a step away as much-needed depth in the rotation at Triple-A Columbus.

All four will stay with the Guardians through the exhibition series, and then likely report to Triple-A Columbus. In order for any of the four to play for the Guardians in 2025, they’ll need to be added to the 40-man roster.

Velasquez will be a long shot to make the Guardians out of camp, as the 32-year-old has not pitched in the majors since June of 2023. The 32-year-old has had various levels of success in the majors, however, and Cleveland has done a good job of rehabilitating arms like his in the past. It’s just hard to trust that it will result in anything significant in 2025.

The right-hander underwent season-ending surgery on his right elbow in early June, so this move was inevitable. It was made on Friday in order to free up a spot for top prospect Nick Gonzales to join the 40-man roster ahead of Friday’s series opener against the Marlins.