Guardians place Plesac, Civale on injured list

The Cleveland Guardians' starting rotation was dealt a blow Friday as the club placed right-handers Zach Plesac and Aaron Civale on the 15-day injured list.

Plesac was scheduled to take the mound for Friday night's series opener with the Seattle Mariners but is dealing with a fracture in his right hand. Right-hander Cody Morris will make the start in Plesac's absence, according to The Athletic's Zack Meisel.

The 27-year-old likely suffered the injury during his most recent start against the Seattle Mariners on Aug. 27. In the seventh inning of that outing, Plesac punched the ground in frustration after giving up a home run to Jake Lamb. Manager Terry Francona said the team believes this action is what caused the injury, according to Mandy Bell of MLB.com.

It marks the second straight year that Plesac's landed on the IL due to what appears to be an unusual injury. Last May, he sustained a fractured thumb while aggressively ripping off his shirt.

Civale was diagnosed with right forearm inflammation, which continues an injury-riddled 2022 campaign for the 27-year-old. This marks the third IL stint for Civale, as he also missed time earlier this season with glute and wrist injuries.

Right-hander Xzavion Curry and left-hander Kirk McCarty will be added to the roster to replace Civale and Plesac.

Plesac owns a 3-11 record with a 4.39 ERA, 4.50 FIP, and 99 strikeouts across 127 innings this season.

Civale has struggled so far this season, posting a 5.40 ERA with 75 strikeouts in 75 innings. However, the right-hander had found his stride of late, posting a 3.43 ERA in four starts since the All-Star break.

The Guardians enter play Friday with a 68-61 record and lead the AL Central by one game over the Minnesota Twins.