ALDS breaking news: Cleveland loses RHP Nick Sandlin to injury

The Athletic’s Zack Meisel reports “Guardians reliever Nick Sandlin has an upper back/shoulder muscle strain and will miss the rest of the season.”

According to ESPN, Sandlin was “a dependable member of Cleveland’s strong bullpen this season.” The pitcher will now miss the entire postseason and there is no possibility of his return this year.

Nick Sandlin underwent an MRI after suffering from a shoulder strain in the second Wild Card game against the Rays. He was diagnosed with a muscle strain on his shoulder. This needs at least six weeks of rest and rules him out of any game against the Yankees.

MLB Trade Rumors reported that Nick Sandlin was an important part of the Cleveland bullpen. The Guardians will now struggle to get a suitable replacement for the 25-year-old reliever, as they are set to meet the Yankees in Game 1 of ALDS Tuesday evening.

The Yankees already have an edge over the Guardians except in the pitching, where Cleveland is the strongest. But missing a reliable pitcher and reliever has reduced their advantage in this department.