Thu Apr 03 23:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Guardians Open Season with Injury Concerns; Multiple Pitchers on IL

**CLEVELAND, OH** – The Cleveland Guardians opened their season Thursday against the Kansas City Royals with a significant injury cloud hanging over the team. Five pitchers were placed on the 15-day injured list retroactive to March 24th: Shane Bieber (right elbow ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction), Slade Cecconi (left oblique strain), Trevor Stephan (right elbow ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction), John Means (left elbow UCL revision/reconstruction), and Erik Sabrowski (left elbow inflammation).

The team provided updates on these pitchers and several other injured players:

* **Bieber and Stephan:** Both are progressing through their respective bullpen phases after undergoing Tommy John surgery and are expected to begin live batting practice in 4-6 weeks.
* **Cecconi:** Recovering from a left oblique strain, he is expected to resume mound work in the coming weeks.
* **Sabrowski:** Following a corticosteroid injection for elbow inflammation, he’s resuming throwing and anticipates mound work soon.
* **Means:** Recovering from his second elbow surgery, he’s throwing at 90 feet and anticipates bullpen sessions in 6-8 weeks.
* **Other injured players:** The team also detailed the progress of several other players including Franco Aleman (inguinal hernia), David Fry (Tommy John surgery), Sam Hentges (left shoulder capsule surgery), Daniel Espino (right anterior capsule surgery), and Nic Enright (right latissimus dorsi strain). Minor leaguers Chase DeLauter (core muscle surgery) and George Valera (knee surgery) are also recovering.

While the team anticipates the return of many players within the next few months, the significant number of injured pitchers on opening day presents a considerable challenge for the Guardians’ pitching staff early in the season. Further complicating matters, outfielder Carlos Santana suffered an apparent injury during the game after colliding with teammate Bo Naylor while attempting a catch. The severity of Santana’s injury was not immediately released.

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