The Cleveland Guardians began spring training with uncertainties in various positions, but the bullpen was considered relatively secure. Despite competition for outfield and starting rotation spots, the relief pitching staff appeared stable, bolstered by offseason acquisitions intended to support key relievers Cade Smith and Hunter Gaddis. However, both Smith and Gaddis have encountered injury setbacks, affecting the bullpen’s early availability. While Cade Smith has made a comeback, Hunter Gaddis remains sidelined, though recent updates suggest he could return by Opening Day as Cleveland continues to monitor his progress closely.
Details on Gaddis’ Injury and Recovery Progress
Hunter Gaddis experienced forearm tightness after his spring debut on February 27, raising concerns about his health. Fortunately, an MRI scan found no structural damage, allowing for a recovery plan focused on rest and gradual rehabilitation. Gaddis has since returned to the team’s Goodyear facility to resume his usual throwing exercises, with Guardians manager Stephen Vogt expressing cautious optimism about his quick return to pitching. Vogt emphasized that although Gaddis is expected to take the mound again in the near future, the final decision regarding his participation on Opening Day depends on ongoing evaluation of his condition.
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt says Hunter Gaddis is back in the building in Goodyear to resume his normal throwing program, and anticipates him getting [on] the mound here in the coming days. As for his Opening Day status, Vogt says the team needs to see how he progresses,
Mason Horodyski wrote on X.
Significance of Gaddis’ Role in the Guardians’ Bullpen
Gaddis’ availability is critical for Cleveland’s bullpen stability, especially as Cade Smith assumes the closer duties following the departure of All-Star Emmanuel Clase amid an MLB gambling investigation. Over the past two seasons, Gaddis has led Major League Baseball with 68 holds, demonstrating his reliability in late-inning situations. In 2025, Gaddis logged 35 holds across 73 appearances, reinforcing the Guardians’ bullpen after Clase’s absence. Smith filled Clase’s closer role effectively last season, achieving a 6-1 record and 13 saves in the final months, but early spring training setbacks delayed his own debut until March 5, when he showed strong form against the Chicago White Sox.
Outlook for the Guardians’ Bullpen and What to Watch Next
While the team’s bullpen still looks capable despite early injuries, the Guardians and their fans remain eager for a definitive timeline on Hunter Gaddis’ return. His presence would provide the team with valuable depth and experience heading into the regular season. The Guardians will continue to track Gaddis’ recovery closely to determine how he fits into the Opening Day roster, aiming to balance cautious rehabilitation with the high stakes of the upcoming season. This cautious optimism reflects both the importance of Gaddis’ role and the desire for a healthy, effective bullpen throughout the year.
#Guardians manager Stephen Vogt says Hunter Gaddis is back in the building in Goodyear to resume his normal throwing program, and “anticipates him getting off the mound here in the coming days. As for his Opening Day status, Vogt says the team needs to see how he progresses.
— Mason Horodyski (@MasonHorodyski) March 9, 2026
