Keep track of the Guardians’ recent transactions and injury updates throughout the season.
May 21: Manager Terry Francona returns from one-game absence; coaching staff clears health and safety protocols
Francona returned to Progressive Field on Saturday, but the Guardians’ game against Detroit was postponed due to impending thunderstorms. Francona underwent a minor medical procedure Friday, which forced him to miss the series opener. “Tito was back in the ballpark today, ready to manage tonight,” team president Chris Antonetti said. Bench coach DeMarlo Hale filled in for Francona in Cleveland’s 6-1 win.
First base coach Sandy Alomar Jr., third base coach Mike Sarbaugh and assistant pitching coach Joe Torres have cleared Major League Baseball’s health and safety protocols. Seven members of the Guardians’ coaching staff and 1B/OF Josh Naylor tested positive for COVID-19 on May 13. Alomar, Sarbaugh and Torres were the final three individuals sidelined. — Brian Dulik
RHP Aaron Civale (gluteal cramp)
Expected return: TBD
Civale experienced a cramp in his backside Friday while mishandling a Jeimer Candelario grounder toward first base in the seventh inning of the Guardians’ 6-1 win over the Tigers. He exited the game in the middle of the next at-bat against Spencer Torkelson, but acting manager DeMarlo Hale said it was done as a precaution. “[I] feel good,” Civale said. “Took a tumble there, but will work on it the next few days and move forward.” — Brian Dulik (Last updated: May 20)
RHP James Karinchak (mild right shoulder strain)
Expected return: TBD
Shut down in early April, Karinchak is scheduled to throw his first live batting practice on May 20. The team was hoping to evaluate Karinchak in person, but because of the current COVID-19 outbreak the Guardians are dealing with, they decided it was best to keep him in Arizona. He’ll throw a few live batting practice sessions there before joining one of their Minor League affiliates to continue his rehab. — Mandy Bell (Last updated: May 15)
RHP Cody Morris (lat strain)
Expected return: TBD
Morris began experiencing tightness in his arm in a bullpen session just after Cactus League games got underway. He underwent an MRI that revealed a strain of the teres major muscle. He’s expected to be shut down from throwing for four to six weeks before getting re-evaluated, and has not yet resumed throwing. — Joe Trezza (Last updated: April 23)
RHP Carlos Vargas (Tommy John recovery)
Expected return: TBD
Vargas underwent Tommy John surgery in April 2021 and is expected to continue his rehab program in Arizona until his arm is built back up. — Mandy Bell (Last updated: April 2)
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