Guardians News and Notes - Pitching Changes and Roster Spots

News and Notes for Saturday, March 8th, 2025.

Let’s kick off our Saturday morning with another episode of Guardians Weekly. This week Jim Rosenhaus is joined by Cade Smith, Paul Sewald, Triston McKenzie, and Will Brennan.

There was a press conference with Tyler Naquin discussing his switch from outfield to pitching. Naquin, as a pitcher, has reached 97 mph and is sitting 94-96 with three pitches in his arsenal; a four-seam fastball, change-up, and a cutter.

Further the proof that the best Spring Training games are not televised, the Cleveland Guardians hit for the cycle in yesterday’s first inning and saw homers from some unlikely hitters. The game recap can be read here.

Terry Pluto shared his opinions on the team this far into Spring Training. It looks like signs are pointing toward Gabriel Arias winning the 2B job and Tyler Freeman taking over the Super Utility role for David Fry.

The planned pitching line up for the next few games has changed. Luis Ortiz will still be pitching today, but Gavin Williams will be facing the White Sox. Ben Lively and Triston McKenzie will take on the Monday split squad. This means that the originally planned Logan Allen for Sunday isn’t making a start over the new few games. It’ll be interesting to see if he makes an appearance as a relief pitcher or if there is a potential injury keeping him from pitching.

The Guardians take on the Padres today with a 3:10PM start. You can listen along on WTAM 1100.

In other news, New York Yankee pitcher Gerrit Cole is undergoing testing on his throwing arm.

Here’s a fun Josey fact to end on a bright note.