Guardians Send Vince Velasquez Back to Triple-A Columbus

The Cleveland Guardians have outrighted Vince Velasquez to Triple-A Columbus, removing him from their major league roster after designating him for assignment last week. Velasquez, who signed a minor league deal in February, has been working his way back from an elbow surgery that sidelined him for the second half of 2023 and all of 2024. Although he struggled in his four starts at Columbus, posting a 10 earned-run total in 15 innings with 16 walks, Cleveland briefly called him up to serve as a long relief option during a crowded stretch of the schedule. Despite being on the big league roster for three days, Velasquez did not appear in a game but secured a prorated $1.5 million salary by reaching the majors.

Velasquez, now with over five years of MLB service, has the option to decline the assignment and enter free agency, though he’d likely be limited to minor league offers. The Guardians, meanwhile, continue to navigate one of MLB’s weaker rotations, ranking 27th in ERA entering the week. With injuries plaguing their pitching staff, Cleveland is hopeful for reinforcements, including Shane Bieber and John Means, as they rehab from UCL surgeries. Whether Velasquez can improve his performance and earn another shot at the big leagues remains to be seen.