Means pitches into 5th inning in rehab start, nearing MLB return

TAMPA -- John Means took another step toward a return to the Majors on Sunday, when the lefty made his fifth rehab start in his comeback from June 2024 Tommy John surgery.

Means started for Triple-A Columbus against Indianapolis at Huntington Park. Over 4 1/3 innings and 72 pitches, he was charged with five runs and six hits (including a solo homer) with two walks and three strikeouts.

Means was initially slated to start for the Clippers on Friday, but he was pushed back after he felt under the weather leading up to that start. His workload on Sunday was in line with the initial plan for him to throw around 75 pitches. It was his longest rehab start and the most pitches he has thrown to this point.

Guardians manager Stephen Vogt noted before Monday’s series opener against the Royals that Means began to feel under the weather again after his start on Sunday.

”He felt fine pitching-wise through the whole outing, which is what matters as far as baseball,” Vogt said. “But he’s sick again today, so we’ve got to get that under control before we can determine what's next.”

The Guardians have maintained throughout Means’ rehab that the priority, first and foremost, is getting through the process and not rushing it. But given his progression, he appears to be close to a return to the Majors.

The Guardians’ rotation picture currently includes Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams, Slade Cecconi, Logan Allen, Parker Messick and Joey Cantillo. Cleveland went to a six-man rotation this week during its stretch of 17 games in 17 days, which, after an off day, will be followed by a stretch in which they will play seven games in six games.

The Guardians signed Means to a one-year deal with a club option for 2026 on Feb. 19, making him a potential option for their rotation next year as well. The lefty (who also underwent Tommy John in 2022) has a career 3.68 ERA in 78 games (73 starts) over seven seasons.