3 things to watch for in the final week of Cleveland Guardians' spring training 

While the snow on the ground may not make it seem like summer is close by, we’re less than a week away from Opening Day, which is the first step toward the official start of summer. 

But before we can get to the start of the season, we need to get past the final week of spring training, which can be a make or break time for plenty of players on the Guardians’ roster. 

Here are three storylines we’re going to be paying attention to as the Guardians navigate the final week before their quest for a World Series truly begins. 

The Guardians have a variety of storylines to watch over the final week of spring training

Who is going to start the season on the injured list? 

Even though the Guardians haven’t had any players suffer any catastrophic injuries, they have plenty of players who have some bumps and bruises that could keep them out for the start of the season. 

While it looks like José Ramírez won’t miss any time due to his shoulder inflammation, Hunter Gaddis and George Valera both have lingering injuries that could result in them starting the season on the shelf.

Neither injury sounds serious (Gaddis has forearm tightness and Valera has a mild calf strain), but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Guardians not rush them back. 

Valera missing any time could open up an avenue for Petey Halpin to earn some more playing time, while Gaddis’ injury could provide more high-leverage opportunities for Shawn Armstrong. 

What’s going to happen in center field? 

Although 10 of Steven Kwan’s 13 spring training appearances have come in center field, the Guardians have yet to anoint him as the team’s everyday center field. 

Moving Kwan to center field full-time would open up more playing time for DeLauter and Valera (who are both suited for the corner outfield spots). After them, Halpin, Nolan Jones, Stuart Fairchild and Angel Martínez are fighting for the final one or two spots in the outfield, and they all can play the corners as well. 

Kwan’s been one of the best left fielders in baseball since he made his debut in 2022, but moving him to center would provide Stephen Vogt with a lot more flexibility. The Guardians’ outfield should be much better this year regardless of what happens in center, but it’s clear that’s the best place for Kwan. 

Who locks down the final spot in the rotation? 

Talk about a good problem to have. At this point we can write Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams, Joey Cantillo and Slade Cecconi into the top of the Guardians’ rotation, which leaves Logan Allen and Parker Messick fighting for the final spot in rotation. 

Both Allen and Messick are crafty southpaws who rely on deception and command, which likely makes the front office’s decision a little harder. 

While Messick threw the ball well last year for the Guardians across the final month of the season, he also threw a career-high 138 1/3 innings, so starting him in the minors could give him a chance to start the season in a less intense environment. 

On the other hand, we already kind of know what we’re getting with Allen, who has become a solid innings eater but has a clear ceiling as a No. 4 or 5 starter. Even though there really isn’t a “wrong” choice here, Messick boasts a bit more upside.