Guardians’ Paul Sewald Faces Uncertain Return After Mysterious Right Shoulder Strain Halts Season Momentum

CLEVELAND — You hate to see it—Paul Sewald, the Guardians’ righty reliever, found himself sidelined, landing on the 15-day injured list with a nagging right shoulder strain just before Tuesday’s clash with the Twins. Tough break, especially after he managed to retire the two batters he faced Monday night, including ringing up Ty France, before shoulder inflammation pulled him off mid-fifth inning.

Sewald’s not exactly been cruising this season—his 1-1 record and 6.17 ERA over 14 outings reflect the struggles that have followed him since last year’s injury woes in Arizona. The Guardians didn’t hesitate, though, quickly plugging the gap with Joey Cantillo, who’s been called up from Triple-A Columbus. Plus, the front office brought in right-hander Vince Velasquez from the same farm team, sending Cody Bolton back down.

Meanwhile, Shane Bieber remains in recovery mode, moved to the 60-day IL as he continues his painstaking rehab from last year’s Tommy John surgery. The pitching staff’s health is hanging by a thread here, and the team will need every arm they can get.

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CLEVELAND — Guardians reliever Paul Sewald was placed on the 15-day injured list before Tuesday’s game against the Minnesota Twins with a right shoulder stain.

The right-hander was removed during the fifth inning of Monday night’s game against the Twins with right shoulder inflammation. Sewald retired the two batters he faced, including a strikeout of Ty France, before coming out of the game.

Sewald is 1-1 with a 6.17 ERA in 14 appearances this season. The 34-year-old struggled with injuries last season with Arizona.

Joey Cantillo was recalled from Triple-A Columbus to fill Sewald’s roster spot. Cleveland also selected the contract of right-hander Vince Velasquez from Columbus and sent down right-hander Cody Bolton.

Shane Bieber was moved to the 60-day injured list as he continues to come back from last year’s Tommy John surgery to his right elbow.