Carlos Carrasco is all the way back with the Cleveland Guardians.
The popular right-hander, diagnosed with leukemia during his first stint with Cleveland, has been told he’s got a spot on the team’s opening-day roster after attending spring training with a minor league deal.
Carrasco will be either the fifth starter or a reliever. He went 88-73 in 242 games in 11 seasons for Cleveland before being traded to the New York Mets in the Francisco Lindor deal. The 37-year-old wanted to continue pitching, returned to his starting point and made the club.
“He did it with the work that he puts in every day to make himself the best pitcher he could be,” Guardians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said. “He’s also continues to be an extraordinary teammate and leader in the clubhouse.
“We’re a better team both on the field and the clubhouse with Carlos Carrasco as part of it.”
Also, first-year Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said Brayan Rocchio will handle the bulk of playing time at shortstop. Rocchio made the roster along with the versatile Gabriel Arias, who can play infield and outfield.
Cleveland could have a new center fielder as Myles Straw may be assigned outright to Triple-A if he clears waivers. Straw signed a $25 million, five-year contract in 2022. While he’s been great defensively, the Guardians need more offense.