There’s no place like home as Carlos Carrasco makes Guardians opening day roster

Cleveland, OH- Feel good stories are a part of what baseball is made of and Cleveland fans have a heartfelt one in Carlos Carrasco. Earning himself a spot on the Guardians opening day roster is news that brought a smile to many. The fan favorite pitcher was in spring training with the team on a minor league deal. The right-hander spent 11 seasons in Cleveland before being traded to the Mets in the Francisco Lindor deal in 2021.

Carrasco nicknamed “Cookie,” is 37 years old and hasn’t lost his love for the game. Guardians’ president of baseball operations, Chris Antonetti, told the media how Carrasco reacted to the news on making the roster saying, “With the look on his face, you would’ve thought it was the first Opening Day roster he’s ever made. He was that happy. It’s pretty cool.”

The Guardians’ new skipper, Stephen Vogt, raved about Carrasco during spring training. Vogt praised him both for his on and off the field presence, “the person is incredible it’s been so much fun getting to know him and watch the way he leads this group I wasn’t here when he was here before, but it seems he’s just jumped right back in where he left off a couple of years ago. Carlos is throwing the ball really well the velo is starting to come back up again and the secondary pitches are as good as I can remember so I really like the way Carlos has progressed and I really the like the way he’s throwing the ball, and the work speaks for itself as well.”

Carrasco is in his 15^th major league season. He made his major league debut on September 1, 2009 with Cleveland. The veteran appeared in 242 games for the club prior to his trade to the Mets. He went 88-73 during his time with the Indians.

When asked about his return Carrasco said “I’ve heard from everyone. The clinic that I went to in Cleveland, restaurants, friends, everyone…they’re pretty happy that I’m here.”

Carrasco could be back on the bump as a reliever or possibly in the rotation with Gavin Williams starting the season on the injured list. Regardless of which role Cookie has on the field he’s brightening up the clubhouse and fans are ready to stand to their feet during his first appearance back at Progressive Field.