Thursday, August 07

Welcome back to the Guardians Beat newsletter. My name is Tim Stebbins, and this is my first season covering Cleveland for MLB.com.

CLEVELAND -- When asked during a recent media session whether he missed playing the field for the Guardians, David Fry acknowledged the obvious: of course, he does. As Fry put it, he’s a baseball player, and hitting is only half of the game.

But the 29-year-old is also keeping a wise perspective and the big picture in mind as he continues his throwing rehab progression, following the UCL revision surgery he underwent on his right elbow last November.

“I like to think of myself as a catcher who plays other positions, so the big thing is being healthy to catch,” Fry said. “… I think the main thing is being ready to catch Day 1 next year.”

After Fry underwent surgery nine months ago, the Guardians said his expected timeline to return as a DH was six to eight months. But the timeline for him to return to game activity as a position player was 12 months.

It’s why Fry, whose defensive versatility is one of his calling cards, has been limited to DH and pinch-hit opportunities since he made his season debut on June 1. And while catching is not in the cards this year, the good news is Fry continues to progress in his throwing program.

Fry is throwing out at 90 feet right now, and he said his arm strength feels “really good.” 

“It feels really solid,” Fry added. “I’m just kind of taking it day by day. Obviously, last year didn't feel good. I was trying to keep it holding on by a thread. It feels strong. Everything seems to be going really well and [I hope to] keep it going.”
 
Fry’s elbow began to bother him in late June last year, and consequently, the Guardians used him only at first base, DH and as a pinch-hitter over the season’s final few months. In the first half, it was not uncommon for him to rotate between multiple positions in a game, between catcher, the corner infield and corner outfield spots. 
 
Last season, on April 14 against the Yankees, Fry started at first base, moved to catcher in-game and then back to first. On May 10 against the White Sox, he started at first, moved behind the plate and then to left.
 
Versatility is valuable for any team, certainly one that philosophically preaches it like the Guardians -- and certainly when you have it in a catcher who can seamlessly move around the diamond.

"[Having three catchers] makes everything easier, interchangeable," associate manager Craig Albernaz said. “It was easier with Fry as well, just because [then], we can stagger the playing time. 

“…  Having a third catcher allows you that cadence to get guys rest and days off and check in on their bodies. Because at the end of the day, it's such a grind with these guys, especially mentally. That's the biggest thing.”

Albernaz noted Fry’s throwing program work has included working on his arm stroke, to get it to a place where he does not have to change it, whether he’s behind the plate, on the infield or on the outfield grass.

While there is a long way between where Fry is and getting back behind the dish, the current trend has been encouraging.

“Our medical staff has done a great job with David,” Albernaz said. “But right now he's at 90 feet, and he's throwing the ball really well.”

At different points this season, folks around the Guardians have lovingly said that they are running out of new ways to describe José Ramírez’s achievements. It’s understandable, as the 32-year-old seemingly does something stellar on the field every game.

But two words consistently associated with Ramírez are heart and hustle, and he has once more earned some hardware befitting those traits. On Tuesday, he was named the Guardians’ winner of the 2025 Heart and Hustle Award, marking the seventh time he has received the honor (2017-18, ’21-25).

Presented annually by the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association, the Heart and Hustle Award is given to active players who “exemplify a true passion for the game and who best embody the values, spirit and traditions of the game.” Each team’s winner is selected by a committee of former players.

Ramírez, who is Cleveland's engine on the field and a leader in their clubhouse, is a fitting recipient. He is slashing .296/.372/.523 with 21 doubles, 23 homers, 61 RBIs and 32 stolen bases (third in the Majors) over 110 games. 

Ramírez played in all but three of Cleveland’s first 112 games, and the only three he missed came after he suffered an injury. In each case, he had just a one-game absence. Ramírez sprained his right wrist on March 29 vs. the Royals, sprained his right ankle on May 2 vs. the Blue Jays and was hit by a pitch on his right wrist on June 26 vs. Toronto.

The overall 2025 Heart and Hustle Award winner will be announced in mid-November on MLB Network.

The Guardians are in the thick of the American League postseason picture and looking to make a push for October over their final 49 games. You can catch all the action on CLEGUARDIANS.TV, which is on sale now through Thursday.

For $17.99, fans in the Cleveland area can stream Guardians regular-season games with no blackout restrictions (subject to national TV exclusivities). Fans in Cleveland’s home TV territory may also bundle their subscription with MLB.TV for $44.99, to watch all out-of-market games.

More information on CLEGUARDIANS.TV is available here.

• The Guardians continued their strong stretch by securing a series win over the Mets on Tuesday. Read more >>

• Nic Enright recorded his first career save on Monday, the latest milestone in the 28-year-old right-hander’s inspirational story. Read more >>

• Which Trade Deadline deals could have the biggest impact down the stretch? MLB.com experts weighed in. Read more >>

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