Guardians notes: Carlos Santana clears waivers, is released

CLEVELAND – Guardians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti referred to the since-departed Carlos Santana as a "stabilizing veteran presence on the team." That stabilizing presence was released Thursday after clearing waivers. Santana, 39, has until Aug. 31 to sign with a team and be eligible for the postseason. Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt said Santana requested his release from the team. "It was a tough day," he said. "What he meant to our team I can't put into words. He's one of the best people I've met in the game." Santana was a good role model to the team's young players. "He was somebody who can give our young team some knowledge and some expertise and some ideas on what it was going to take for them to have a long career," Vogt said. "I've been around very few people that take better care of themselves than Carlos Santana. I've been around very few people who work as hard as he did." The Guardians wanted to find more at-bats for rookie C.J. Kayfus and Kyle Manzardo. "We'll see both of them in the lineup as much as possible against right-handers," Vogt said. He said they might even see some at-bats against lefties. The manager said he expects Santana someday to be inducted into Cleveland's Hall of Fame, located at Heritage Park in Progressive Field. "Throughout this process, he was super grateful and thankful and referred to the people here in Cleveland as his family," Vogt said. "That's what he's taught our young guys as well. It's invaluable. We wish him well." Santana's bat cooled off this season, as he batted .225 with 11 home runs and 52 RBIs. However, he played "Gold Glove defense every day," Vogt said. "He's had an extraordinary career," Antonetti said. "He's had a massive impact on the Guardians organization." Cleveland decided to sign Santana to a one-year, $12 million deal after trading Josh Naylor to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Naylor was then sent to the Seattle Mariners, who are playing in Progressive Field this weekend. Naylor is scheduled to speak to the Cleveland media tonight before the game. Welcome back This weekend marks the 30th anniversary celebration of the 1995 Indians, who made the club's first appearance in the World Series since 1954. Those in attendance were former manager Mike Hargrove and players Charles Nagy, Ruben Amaro Jr., Paul Assenmacher, Bud Black, Alvaro Espinoza, Kenny Lofton, Chad Ogea, Eric Plunk, Paul Shuey, Jim Thome, Albie Lopez, Julian Tavarez and Carlos Baerga. No dead arms In the midst of a stretch of 17 games in 17 days, the Guardians must pay close attention to their pitching staff. "We have to be mindful of their workload," Vogt said. "There's going to be some games where we may have to extend somebody to give (the bullpen) an extra day, just different things like that. "We're going to work closely with medical staff and the pitching group to really determine what workload looks like for these guys. We have the arms to do it. We have the length options in the bullpen, so we feel good about that." One pitcher who could provide help soon is left-hander John Means, who threw a bullpen session Friday at Progressive Field. "Once he gets out of this bullpen, we'll see how he's feeling," Vogt said. "Then we'll determine what the next step is for him." Fry not an option David Fry will continue his role as designated hitter and won't play first base the rest of the season. "The plan is to get him ready to catch next year," Vogt said. Fry is recovering from Tommy John surgery. MVP numbers Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh is putting up MVP numbers. He came into Friday's game leading the American League in homers (50) and RBIs (107) and is second in runs (87), total bases (289), walks (77), slugging (.587), extra base hits (69) and OPS (.938). "His ability to catch as many games as he does and still remain able to drive the ball out of the yard (is amazing)," Vogt said. "Your legs are smoked this time of year. Your whole body's toast. "I'll continue to say this is one of the greatest MLB seasons we've ever seen." Free stuff The Guardians will give away CLE bucket hats to the first 20,000 fans for today's game. Contact Bob Finnan at rfinnan30@gmail.com.