Guardians make roster moves ahead of series with Rays

Philadelphia Phillies v Cleveland Guardians
Philadelphia Phillies v Cleveland Guardians | Brandon Sloter/GettyImages

As expected, the Cleveland Guardians are making some roster moves after claiming three players on waivers from the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday.

Cal Quantrill and David Fry have been activated from the injured list. Quantrill is slated to start Friday night's game against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays. Fry gives the Guardians another option to use if needed.

Hunter Gaddis and Cody Morris have both been sent down to Triple-A Columbus. Taking their places are two of the three recently acquired players, Reynaldo Lopez and Matt Moore. Lopez and Moore should figure to get some run in Cleveland's bullpen, as this has been a group of arms that has been called upon fairly often this season.

Cleveland ranks 16th in total innings from relief pitchers (480.2), but sports the fifth-best ERA this season (3.48). With a rotation full of rookies and a very hit-and-miss Quantrill returning, it is important to have enough quality relief arms available when necessary. Having players with the experience of Lopez and Moore is very valuable due to the overall young group of pitchers the Guardians have on their staff.

Additionally, the Guardians have recalled shortstop Jose Tena. Tena has appeared in three games for the Guardians this season, recording two hits, one of which was a double, in eight at-bats. Tena has spent most of his time with Double-A Akron, slashing .260/.353/.370 in 81 games. The 22-year-old infielder also has a handful of appearances for the Columbus Clippers, collecting 21 hits in 66 plate appearances. Nearly half of his hits in Triple-A have gone for extra bases (five doubles, four home runs, and one triple).

Notably absent from Friday's transactions is recently acquired starting pitcher Lucas Giolito. Giolito will be added to the roster when it is time for him to make his Guardians debut, and that should be relatively soon.

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