For the second time this season, right-hander Alex Cobb will be placed on the 15-day injured list due to a blister, according to Zack Meisel of The Athletic. Cobb, 36, missed a start last weekend because of the issue, and it hasn’t healed quickly enough to prevent another stint on the IL. He’s expected to be eligible to return during the final week of the season. In his absence, both Joey Cantillo and Ben Lively are likely to stay in the starting rotation. The notable aspect of this roster move is that the Guardians are calling up right-hander Andrew Walters from Triple-A Akron.
Cobb has faced several setbacks over the past year. He ended the 2023 season on the IL with left hip inflammation and underwent surgery in October. The San Francisco Giants, believing Cobb could contribute in 2024, exercised a $10 million club option for this year. Although Cobb was initially on track to return earlier than expected in March, right shoulder inflammation delayed his rehab, leading to his transfer to the 60-day IL.
After making a comeback on June 30, Cobb started a rehab assignment but was traded to the Guardians just before the trade deadline. The Guardians were dealing with rotation instability at that time, with Shane Bieber requiring Tommy John surgery and Gavin Williams missing half the season due to right elbow inflammation. Additionally, pitchers like Triston McKenzie, Logan Allen, and Carlos Carrasco struggled with ERAs above 5.00. An injury to Carlos Carrasco further complicated matters, leading to McKenzie and Allen being sent to the minors.
Despite these challenges, Cleveland has maintained first place in the American League Central for most of the season, currently 4 1/2 games ahead of the Kansas City Royals. However, they might face a close race in the season’s final weeks.
Walters, 23, was selected as the 62nd pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. He began the 2024 season at Double-A, posting a 1.35 ERA over 17 games. Walters was promoted to Columbus on May 28 and has since established himself as a key player.