The Guardians have selected the contract of right-hander Michael Kelly, as noted by MLB.com’s Mandy Bell. In corresponding moves, the club optioned right-hander Hunter Gaddis to Triple-A while transferring right-hander Peyton Battenfield to the 60-day injured list.
A former first round pick by the Padres in the 2011 draft, Kelly, 30, made his MLB debut with the Phillies last season, allowing a run on three hits (one home run) and one walk while striking out four in four innings of work across four appearances. Prior to reaching the majors, Kelly spent six seasons in the Padres minor league system, also spending time with the Orioles and Astros before joining the Phillies in 2022. After his cup of coffee in Philadelphia last year, Kelly joined the Guardians on a minor league deal back in January.
In six seasons at the Triple-A level, Kelly has pitched to mostly mixed results with a 4.57 ERA in 202 2/3 innings of work. That being said, he’s posted impressive numbers at Triple-A Columbus with the organization so far this season, with a 1.61 ERA with a 36% strikeout rate in 22 1/3 innings of work. Those strong numbers have been paired with a worrisome 13.6% walk rate, though the Guardians are surely hoping the right-hander can harness his stuff enough to contribute to a bullpen that currently has Nick Sandlin and Enyel De Los Santos covering the middle innings.
To make room for Kelly on the active roster, the club optioned Gaddis to Columbus. After making a pair of starts for the club in 2022, Gaddis has recorded 31 1/3 innings of work in the majors so far this season, with a 5.17 ERA and 4.84 FIP while swinging in and out of the rotation for the Guardians. In returning to Triple-A, Gaddis figures to provide valuable depth for Cleveland going forward as he waits for his next opportunity at the big league level.
As for Battenfield, the right-hander has been on the injured list for the past few weeks with shoulder inflammation. Battenfield made his MLB debut earlier this season, pitching 34 1/3 innings primarily out of Cleveland’s rotation, though he struggled to a 5.19 ERA with a 5.39 FIP during that time. Battenfield’s timeline for return is unclear as things stand, though he won’t be eligible to be activated from the 60-day IL until after the All Star break.
Kelly was close to making the team out of spring training so I’m not really surprised. I think I remember Francona saying at the end of camp that he’d probably be one of the first guys in line if they needed another arm in the bullpen, but I can’t remember for sure.
I think Gaddis has shown he can be a good bullpen piece and that he’s not a starter long term (especially with Gavin Williams et al breathing down his neck), so I’m a little surprised to see them move him down but a fresh arm probably wouldn’t hurt with as overworked as the bullpen has been.