David Fry Returns: Guardians Activate Postseason Hero After UCL Surgery

Fry's Road to Recovery

After missing the start of the 2025 season, David Fry finally stepped back into a Guardians uniform this Saturday. The 29‑year‑old first‑base/left‑field utility man underwent a right elbow UCL revision in November, a procedure that typically sidelines a player for six months to a year. While the Guardians began the year with him on the 60‑day injured list, Fry spent the winter in a quiet rehab program before heading to Arizona for a full‑scale comeback.

Starting May 12, Fry logged three games each at three distinct levels: the Arizona Complex League (rookie), Double‑A, and Triple‑A. His swing showed promising chalk‑up as he chipped away at a modest batting line of .103, .182, and .207 across the three stops. The highlight? A lone home run on Friday night that lifted his spirits and convinced the club that his bat was ready for the big leagues.

Fry’s rehab schedule was intentionally varied. The Guardians wanted to test his timing against different pitching styles, from young arms in the Complex League to seasoned workhorses in Triple‑A. Even though his averages were low, the coaching staff said his contact quality and power potential were evident, especially after that late‑season homer.

Because the surgery altered his throwing mechanics, the team has decided to keep Fry off the field defensively for the remainder of the season. He will serve exclusively as a designated hitter, a role that lets him focus on his offensive contributions without risking further elbow strain.

Roster Moves and Impact on Cleveland

Activating Fry forced the Guardians to make a couple of tough decisions. Outfielder Lane Thomas, who has battled a lingering plantar fasciitis in his right foot, was placed on the 10‑day injured list to free a roster spot. Thomas, a veteran presence, has appeared in just 17 games this year, struggling with a previous wrist injury and now the foot issue.

In addition, right‑hander Cody Bolton was designated for assignment. Bolton, a recent acquisition from the Seattle Mariners, logged only two innings for Cleveland, surrendering three earned runs on four hits. The move clears space on the 40‑man roster and signals the club’s confidence that Fry’s bat will be a more reliable asset than Bolton’s limited pitching performance.

Manager Stephen Vogt could hardly hide his excitement. "Seeing David walk back into the building put a smile on everybody’s face," Vogt said. "He’s not just a player who can contribute in the batter’s box; he’s a leader and the heart of this clubhouse." The sentiment reflects Fry’s reputation as a vocal, hard‑working teammate who lifts morale during long stretches.

For the Guardians, Fry’s return arrives at a crucial juncture. Cleveland’s offense has sputtered in the early weeks, and the team is sitting below .500. Adding a left‑handed bat with power potential into the designated hitter slot could provide the spark needed to revitalize the lineup. Fry’s ability to drive the ball to the opposite field and his knack for clutch hitting were on full display during the postseason, when he delivered key hits that helped propel Cleveland into the playoffs.

• Rehab stats: 3 games each at ACL, Double‑A, Triple‑A
• Batting line during rehab: .103/.182/.207
• Home run hit on May 18, 2025
• Designated hitter only for 2025 season
• Roster moves: Lane Thomas to 10‑day IL, Cody Bolton DFA

The next game will be Fry’s first official at‑bat as a Guardian since his surgery. Fans in Cleveland are eager to see whether his return can translate into runs, and the team’s front office hopes his leadership will ripple through the clubhouse as they aim to climb back into contention.