"In 2024, Lively tossed 151 innings with a 3.81 earned run average, an 18.7% strikeout rate and a 7.8% walk rate over the life of 29 starts. He entered the 2025 season locked into a rotation spot for manager Stephen Vogt and posted a sharp-looking 3.22 ERA in nine starts, but the under-the-hood numbers were less encouraging. Lively's strikeout rate dipped to 16.3% while his walk rate rose to 8.4%. His chase rate, swinging-strike rate and opponents' contact rate all went in the wrong direction."
"Lively hit the injured list after just nine starts in 2025. He was originally diagnosed with a strained flexor tendon, but further imaging revealed significant damage to the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow as well. The Guardians announced in late May that Lively was headed for Tommy John surgery and would also have that flexor tendon repaired in the process. The procedure came with a recovery period of 12 to 16 months, per the club."
Lively agreed to a two-year minor league contract with the Cleveland Guardians while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Imaging revealed significant ulnar collateral ligament damage and a strained flexor tendon, and the club set a 12-to-16-month recovery window. Lively was already at the Guardians' spring complex in Arizona and is represented by Meister Sports Management. A fourth-round pick by the Reds in 2013, he had limited major-league opportunities before a productive two-and-a-half year stint with the Samsung Lions in the KBO. He returned to North America in 2023, posted a 3.81 ERA across 151 innings in 2024, and showed worsening peripheral metrics before his 2025 injury.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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