The Cleveland Guardians recently designated Spencer Howard for assignment, making him the latest player to be released by the AL Central leaders. The move came after the San Francisco Giants traded Howard to the Guardians for cash on July 5, following the Giants’ decision to designate him for assignment on June 30.
In his brief tenure with Cleveland, Howard posted a 2-1 record with a 9.00 ERA, giving up five earned runs over five innings, striking out six, and walking three. This roster move clears space for right-hander Peter Strzelecki, who was recalled from Triple-A Columbus.
Howard, who was part of four Major League organizations since leaving Philadelphia in a 2021 trade involving multiple players, was initially Philadelphia’s second-round pick in 2017. He was selected after an impressive career at Cal Poly, where he threw the first no-hitter in Class-A Lakewood BlueClaws history.
Howard debuted with the Phillies in 2020, posting a 1-2 record with a 5.92 ERA in 11 starts. In 2021, he went 0-2 with a 5.72 ERA in 11 starts before being traded to Texas. In 2022, he appeared in 10 games for the Rangers, going 2-4 with a 7.41 ERA in eight starts. He was traded to the Yankees in July 2023 but never reached the Majors with New York, spending a month at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre before being released.
The Giants picked him up in late September 2023 and assigned him to the minors. Howard was instrumental for the Giants earlier this season, pitching effectively in a primary relief role after his call-up from Triple-A Sacramento on May 28. He posted a 1-1 record with a 3.80 ERA in six appearances, striking out 21 and walking nine over 21.1 innings.
Howard’s last start for the Giants was against the Rangers in June, where he pitched 4.2 innings, striking out two and walking three, leaving with a 3-1 lead. His final appearance with San Francisco was a win against the Cubs, where he allowed no runs and struck out eight over 4.2 innings.
Howard could still be claimed by another team, traded, or pass through waivers and potentially re-sign with the Guardians, provided he doesn’t elect free agency.
