Colin Holderman: Everything you need to know

Cleveland recalled Holderman from Triple-A Columbus on Sunday, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports. Holderman had a brief stint with the big-league club earlier in the campaign, appearing in two games and allowing two earned runs while posting a 3:2 K:BB over three innings. He'll likely take on a low-leverage role now that's he's back in Cleveland's bullpen. Holderman is filling the bullpen spot vacated by Shawn Armstrong, who landed on the IL with a right groin strain Sunday.

The Guardians optioned Holderman to Triple-A Columbus on Monday. Holderman made the Guardians' Opening Day roster but struggled across his first two outings, allowing three runs (two earned) on two hits and two walks while striking out three across three innings. He'll move down to Triple-A to work on his control but would be a top candidate to return to the majors if Cleveland needs an additional right-hander out of the bullpen. In corresponding moves, Doug Nikhazy was designated for assignment and Kolby Allard had his contract selected by the Guardians from Triple-A Columbus.

The Guardians signed Holderman to a one-year, $1.5 million contract Thursday, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports. Holderman was non-tendered by the Pirates in November following a disastrous 2025 season that saw him collect a 7.01 ERA and 18:16 K:BB over 25.2 innings. The 30-year-old reliever entered the season with a career 3.58 ERA and 23.8 percent strikeout rate, so he's a good bet to bounce back to some degree in 2026 in a new setting. The Guardians will have multiple years of control, as Holderman will be eligible for salary arbitration in 2027 and 2028.