Stephen Vogt Provides Disheartening Update on Two Key Players Ahead of Opening Day for Cleveland
With Opening Day rapidly approaching, the Cleveland Guardians were hopeful to have their key players healthy, but it now looks like they may be without outfielder George Valera and relief pitcher Hunter Gaddis when the season starts.
As the 2026 MLB regular season nears, the Guardians are facing some uncertainty about the status of these important roster members. On Thursday, March 19, ahead of one of the final spring training games, manager Stephen Vogt addressed the media regarding Gaddis and Valera, both of whom are recovering from injuries.
“They’re progressing day by day,” Vogt said. “We know time is running out, and we may need to make some decisions soon, but they’re both doing well.”
While the update wasn’t entirely negative, Vogt’s comment about running out of time suggests that neither player may be ready for Opening Day. If that’s the case, the coaching staff will have to make adjustments to both the lineup and bullpen.
Hunter Gaddis and George Valera’s Status
Gaddis has been sidelined since the spring training opener due to a shoulder injury. Despite the setback, he looked strong in his brief appearance, striking out two batters in one inning. Gaddis has been a reliable bullpen presence for the Guardians over the past couple of seasons, ranking among the league’s most active pitchers since 2024.
Valera, on the other hand, has been able to play most of spring training and has greatly improved his chances of securing a starting spot in the outfield. He’s performed well, hitting .292 with seven hits, two doubles, a home run, and four RBIs in 24 at-bats.
Both players’ health is crucial for the Guardians, but the team will prioritize long-term recovery over rushing them back. They’re both expected to play significant roles this season.
Adjustments if Players Aren’t Ready for Opening Day
Fortunately, neither Gaddis nor Valera is expected to miss extended time, so the Guardians are likely to avoid placing them on the injured list. However, the team may need to make short-term adjustments to fill the gaps.
If Valera isn’t available, the outfield will likely consist of Steven Kwan, Chase DeLauter, and Angel Martinez. There’s also a possibility that one of CJ Kayfus, Petey Halpin, or Stuart Fairchild will be called up to take a bench spot.
In the bullpen, the Guardians may lean more heavily on their starting rotation to avoid overworking the bullpen early on. If starters need to exit games early, relievers such as Connor Brogdon, Shawn Armstrong, and Colin Holderman could fill in for Gaddis’ usual role.
Middle relief will also likely include Peyton Pallette and Erik Sabrowski, while Cade Smith might take over closing duties if needed.
While the Guardians’ bullpen is promising, the coaching staff will need to determine the right structure to ensure that the pitchers can find a rhythm early in the season, even with Gaddis’ uncertain status.
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