Injuries & Moves: Kwan, Cobb nearing returns

Sept. 24: LF Steven Kwan (mid-back tightness) testing well as he ramps up activityKwan went through his third day of pregame routines and continues to feel OK. The Guardians indicated that he will return to the roster soon.

Because the Guardians are close to clinching a first-round bye, they are starting to think about the numbers game. If they want the player who will be optioned to clear space for Kwan to be a possibility to carry on the ALDS roster, they will need to make that transaction after the game Tuesday to have the first day that player could be recalled as the morning of Game 1 of the ALDS.

Sept 24: RHP Alex Cobb (right hand blister) throws 30-pitch bullpenCobb was able to throw off the rubber on Monday without his blister causing any issues. He went through his regular throwing routines Tuesday, and the Guardians will determine what his next steps will be, depending on how he recovers.

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OF Steven Kwan (mid-back tightness)Expected return: Likely after the game on Sept. 24Kwan took on-field batting practice on Sept. 21, and went through a regular pregame routine on Sept. 22 and Sept. 24 to make sure his back could handle an everyday workload. Assuming all goes well, he’s expected to be activated from the IL after the game on Sept. 24.

Despite flirting with .400 early in the season and earning his first All-Star selection, Kwan batted just .188 from the start of the second half through Sept. 7. But he had a 5-for-13 showing in the four games just prior to getting scratched with the back issue. Read more > (Last updated: Sept. 24)

RHP Alex Cobb (right hand blister)Expected return: Late SeptemberCobb was expected to throw a simulated game with Triple-A Columbus in Toledo on Sept. 19, but it was determined that his blister was not ready for him to pitch just yet. He was finally able to throw a bullpen on Sept. 23 without pain. The Guardians are waiting to see how he recovers on Sept. 24 before determining his next step.

The 36-year-old, who was acquired from the Giants on July 30, didn’t make his season debut until Aug. 9, as he was recovering from offseason left hip surgery. After making two starts in August, he missed the rest of the month with a fractured nail on his right hand. In his most recent outing, Cobb threw six scoreless innings against the Pirates on Sept. 1. (Last updated: Sept. 24)

LHP Sam Hentges (left shoulder injury)Expected return: 2026After spending parts of August and September getting a handful of different opinions from different doctors, Hentges determined that the best route for him is surgery. He’s scheduled to repair an injury to his capsule and labrum on Sept. 18 and the recovery window is expected to be 12-14 months, which likely means he’ll miss all of the 2025 season. (Last updated: Sept. 11)

RHP James Karinchak (right shoulder fatigue)Expected return: TBDKarinchak was sent on a rehab assignment to Triple-A Columbus after touching as high as 93 mph while pitching at the club’s facility in Goodyear, Ariz. Manager Stephen Vogt said there remains a possibility that Karinchak could pitch for the Guardians before the regular season ends. Karinchak reported to Spring Training with right shoulder fatigue and has been working his way back ever since. (Last updated: Sept. 6)

RHP Daniel Espino (right shoulder capsule and rotator cuff injury; No. 12 on Guardians Top 30 Prospects list)Expected return: 2025Espino 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)

RHP Shane Bieber (right elbow injury)Expected return: 2025Bieber 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. (Last updated: April 13)

RHP Trevor Stephan (UCL surgery)Expected return: 2025When 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)

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