The Cleveland Guardians have made a trade for Darren McCaughan from the Miami Marlins in exchange for cash considerations. McCaughan was designated for assignment by the Marlins after giving up eight earned runs in 4 2/3 innings of relief. The right-hander spent his entire career with the Seattle Mariners until he was designated for assignment in February. He was traded to the Marlins for cash and was sent to Triple-A Jacksonville to begin the year. He’s capable of pitching as a starter or reliever and will give Cleveland swingman depth at Triple-A Columbus.
Gavin Williams was transferred to the 60-day injured list to open a roster spot for McCaughan.
The #Marlins today announced a trade with the Cleveland #Guardians for RHP Darren McCaughan. In return, Miami received cash considerations. McCaughan was designated for assignment by the Marlins on May 5.
— Daniel Álvarez-Montes (@DanielAlvarezEE) May 9, 2024
Darren McCaughan Acquired by the Guardians
McCaughan, 28, made five starts with Jacksonville, all of which were poor results. He posted a 6.14 ERA but put up respectable strike and walk percentages. He struck out 22.2 percent of batters while facing an 8.1 percent walk rate, but with a .338 batting average on balls in play and a 52.8 percent strand rate. It wasn’t until last week that the Marlins called him up from the minors. McCaughan came in for relief after Trevor Rogers allowed eight earned runs in 2 1/3 innings against the Oakland Athletics. He threw 4 2/3 innings while also allowing eight earned runs that ended in a 20-4 loss. McCaughan was designated for assignment the following day.
Why the Guardians Landed the Right-Hander
Cleveland’s pitching depth has taken a turn of late. Shane Bieber is out with Tommy John surgery while Williams has been out all year due to elbow soreness. The Guardians still have Triston McKenzie, Logan Allen and Tanner Bibee as well as Carlos Carrasco and Ben Lively. McKenzie missed time last year with a UCL sprain while Allen has a 6.41 ERA, Bibee 4.91, Carrasco 5.67, and Lively has his down to 2.08 in four starts. To keep things going, they have been trying to bolster the pitching depth. McCaughan could be used in some capacity but the Guardians also acquired Zak Kent from the Texas Rangers and Wes Parsons from the Toronto Blue Jays. The addition of the three pitchers gives the Guardians more options to their starting rotation than they did on Opening Day.
In 141 career minor league appearances, McCaughan is 35-47 with a 4.48 ERA. At the major league level, he appeared in 56 games with a 9.16 ERA with 14 strikeouts and 19 earned runs in 18 2/3 innings.
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