Guardians may have to replace right-hander Nick Sandlin on ALDS roster

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Guardians may have to replace right-hander Nick Sandlin on the 26-man roster before the start of the ALDS Tuesday against the Yankees.

Sandlin, a valuable member of one of the best bullpens in baseball, left the 10th inning of Saturday’s 1-0 wild card win over the Rays with tightness in his upper right shoulder. He underwent an MRI and other tests Sunday before the Guardians boarded a 7 p.m. flight to New York in preparation for the best-of-five series.

After walking Ji-Man Choi to start the 10th, Sandlin retired the next two batters before being relaced by Eli Morgan in the 15-inning marathon win.

If Sandlin can’t pitch in the ALDS, the G’s can replace him. Right-handers Bryan Shaw, Cody Morris and Aaron Civale are on the taxi squad and could be options. Other options include any pitcher on the 40-man roster or 60-day injure list as of Aug. 31.

Should the Guards replace Sandlin, they must do so with another pitcher. Sandlin would not be eligtible for the rest of the postseason.

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This season Sandlin went 5-2 with a 2.25 ERA in 46 games. He struck out 41 and walked 24. A lack of control of control caused Sandlin to be optioned to Class AAA Columbus on June 20. Upon his return on July 7, he posted a 1.78 ERA, while walking only six batters in 25 1/3 innings.

Right-handers hit .149 (61-for-264) and lefties .288 (75-for-260) againsr the side-arming Sandlin.

Sandlin’s 2021 season ended in August when he strained his right shoulder in a game against Oakland.

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