Guardians designate Cal Quantrill for assignment

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Guardians made a surprise roster move with starter Cal Quantrill on Tuesday, designating the right-hander for assignment. Quantrill had a rough 2023 season, going 4-7 with a 5.24 ERA and making two trips to the injured list with shoulder issues. He finished nicely, going 2-1 with a 2.76 EA in his last six starts. The 28-year-old Quantrill was a big part of the Guardians winning the AL Central in 2022 when he went 15-5 and made 32 starts. He's been with Cleveland since coming over in a 2020 trade from San Diego. Cleveland has seven days to trade or release Quantrill — or hope he can get through waivers. He's eligible for arbitration and is under team contractual control until 2026. Quantrill was projected to make about $6.6 million in arbitration next season. The Guardians also designated right-hander Michael Kelly for assignment and added right-handers Daniel Espino and Cade Smith to the 40-man roster. Espino, 22, did not pitch last season after undergoing shoulder surgery in May. He was a first-round draft pick in 2019 and considered a star prospect in the organization. In three minor league seasons, he averaged 14.9 strikeouts per nine innings. Smith, 24, split last season between Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus. He posted a 4.02 ERA in 47 games and led the organization in appearances and saves (15).