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May 31: OF Steven Kwan reinstated off IL; OF Estevan Florial designated for assignment
After completing a four-game rehab assignment with High-A Lake County and Triple-A Columbus, homering once and collecting four RBIs, Kwan was reinstated off the injured list and was slated to lead off and start in left in Friday's opener against the Nationals.

This will be Kwan's first game since he injured his left hamstring on May 4 while making a play in the outfield. Kwan led the AL with a .353 batting average at the time of his injury and had gone an MLB-best 74 consecutive plate appearances without striking out.

To make room for Kwan, Florial was designated for assignment. In 36 games with Cleveland after he was acquired in an offseason deal from the Yankees, the 26-year-old slashed .173/.264/.367 with three homers and 11 RBIs.

"It was a tough decision on Flo," Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. "Obviously, a kid with a ton of potential, a ton of skill, what a great person Estevan is and what a big piece of our team he was and we're going to miss him. I think it's never fun to have to let someone go, but just looking at where our team is and the dynamic with Kwanie coming back, we just felt it was the move to make and again, wish Estevan well, hope he catches on with somebody and does great."

May 29: OF Chase DeLauter day to day at Double-A Akron with toe sprain
The day the Guardians got their No. 1 prospect back in game action, they got word that he left Tuesday's contest with the RubberDucks early due to a sprained toe on his right foot -- the opposite foot that his fracture occurred in. He sprained the toe running into the outfield wall while chasing down a fly ball. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said it didn't sound like the injury was too serious, but DeLauter was out of Akron's starting lineup on Wednesday.

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10-DAY/15-DAY INJURED LIST

RHP Carlos Carrasco (acute neck spasm)
Expected return: Early June
The Guardians didn't seem too considered that Carrasco's neck tightness would take him out of commission for too long, but because he was unable to shake the discomfort before his projected start against the Mets on May 21, he was placed on the 15-day IL.

Carrasco threw an "up-down" bullpen session on May 26 in Anaheim, with manager Stephen Vogt saying that the right-hander is "feeling a lot better." (Last updated: May 26)

60-DAY IL

RHP Gavin Williams (right elbow discomfort)
Expected return: June
Williams threw live batting practice on May 24 and made his first rehab appearance on May 30 with Triple-A Columbus, giving up two runs (one earned) in two innings with two walks and two strikeouts.

"A little bit of command [issues], kind of [like a] first Spring Training outing, but feels great," Vogt said. "Everything went well. So that's really good news and should be set to go again here soon and we couldn't be more thrilled."

Williams has not played this season after he made an awkward throw during his weighted-ball workout during Spring Training and felt discomfort in his throwing elbow. He was transferred to the 60-day injured list on May 9 to clear a roster spot for right-hander Darren McCaughan. (Last updated: May 31)

RHP James Karinchak (right shoulder fatigue)
Expected return: TBD
Karinchak reported to camp with right shoulder fatigue. He was given the green light to begin a throwing program on March 11 and joined the big league team on April 25 to work with the Guardians' training staff. Assuming all goes well, his rehab assignment will be in the near future.

The Guardians have not given any indication as to when Karinchak may begin a rehab assignment. (Last updated: May 31)

RHP Shane Bieber (right elbow injury)
Expected return: 2025
Bieber was transferred to the 60-day IL on April 10, and there's no return in sight for Cleveland's ace. He wasn't bouncing back as well as he is used to after his Opening Day start and elbow pain persisted throughout his outing in Seattle.

Bieber underwent imaging that revealed the same problems with his UCL that he had last year. He underwent UCL surgery on April 12. He'll report to Goodyear, Ariz., to begin his rehab. (Last updated: April 13)

RHP Trevor Stephan (UCL surgery)
Expected return: 2025
When Stephan's elbow was examined for discomfort on Feb. 28, a deep bone bruise was discovered. But after it continued to nag him, other opinions were needed. It was determined that his UCL is not providing adequate stability, which caused even more pain in the elbow.

Stephan underwent surgery on March 27 and was given a 12 to 16 month timetable for recovery. (Last updated: March 28)

RHP Daniel Espino (right shoulder capsule and rotator cuff injury; No. 5 on Guardians Top 30 Prospects list)
Expected return: 2025
Espino underwent surgery to repair his right shoulder capsule and rotator cuff injuries on March 13. He's expected to stay in Goodyear, Ariz., to work through his rehab. Although the Guardians don't have a firm timetable on when he may return to action, the team does not expect him to pitch during the 2024 season. (Last updated: May 15)

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