Cleveland Guardians DFA Outfielder-Turned-Pitcher


The Cleveland Guardians have once again designated left-handed reliever Anthony Gose for assignment, marking the second time in just a few weeks that the team has removed him from their 40-man roster. 

Gose, who initially made a name for himself as a speedy outfielder, transitioned to the mound and showed promise with his powerful fastball and impressive strikeout ability. 

However, his journey as a pitcher has been fraught with challenges, particularly after undergoing Tommy John surgery in September 2022. 

Since his return, Gose has struggled with diminished velocity—his fastball, once reaching 99 mph, now averages just 94.5 mph—and persistent control issues, posting a concerning 13.8% walk rate in his major league outings.

Despite flashes of potential, including a 30.9% strikeout rate over 29 innings since 2021, Gose's inconsistency has made it difficult for the Guardians to rely on him, especially as they remain in a tight pennant race. 

Cleveland boasts one of the best bullpens in baseball, leaving little room for pitchers who can't deliver consistent results. 

With Gose out of minor league options, the Guardians were faced with a tough decision but ultimately prioritized roster flexibility and bullpen reliability, leading to his DFA.

Photo Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports