Guardians DFA Zach Plesac

The Cleveland Guardians have designated Zach Plesac for assignment after the right-handed pitcher's early season struggles continued in the minors, the team announced Sunday, according to Zack Meisel of The Athletic.

Plesac was optioned to the minors in early May after owning a 7.59 ERA and 4.58 FIP over five starts and 21 1/3 innings.

His difficulties continued in Triple-A Columbus, though, where the 28-year-old posted a 7.56 ERA over 25 innings while making five starts.

Plesac broke into the majors in 2019 and looked impressive, authoring a 3.32 ERA and 4.44 FIP over his first two years, throwing 171 innings between 2019-20 over 29 starts.

While he maintained his starting role through 2021-22, he also regressed somewhat with a 4.49 ERA and 4.59 FIP.

The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for the team to reinstate Triston McKenzie from the 60-day injured list. Right-handed reliever Michael Kelly was also optioned to the minors to clear a spot on the 26-man roster.