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Canadian reliever Erik Sabrowski heads to IL with left elbow inflammation
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Photo credit: © David Reginek-Imagn Images
Michael Coyle
May 26, 2026, 14:30 EDTUpdated: May 26, 2026, 14:23 EDT
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A Canadian pitcher was dealt some concerning news on the injury front on Monday. 
Cleveland Guardians left-hander, and Edmonton, Alberta native, Erik Sabrowski was placed on the 15-day injured list with left elbow inflammation. 
Sabrowski has become an integral piece of the Guardians’ bullpen over the past three seasons, working his way up to one of Guardians manager Stephen Vogt’s favourite names to call upon. Through 25 outings this season, Sabrowski is 2-1 with a 1.71 ERA and 0.95 WHIP. The 28-year-old has held opposing batters to a .101 average against, all while striking out 39 batters across 21 innings, and has recorded a MLB-leading 17 holds.
Sabrowski’s strikeout percentage clocks in at 47% to open 2026, ranking him in the top one percent of all pitchers. Sabrowski attacks hitters with a three-pitch mix, using a fastball, curveball and slider to keep opposing teams in check. 
Originally selected in the 10th round of the 2018 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres, Sabrowski burst onto the scene after making his MLB debut on September 4, 2024, against the Kansas City Royals. Sabrowski with eight straight scoreless appearances before adding two more scoreless outings against the Detroit Tigers during the ALDS. 
Sabrowski opened the 2025 MLB season on the 15-day IL before being eventually transferred to the 60-day IL, dealing with a previous bout of elbow inflammation. The injury kept Sabrowski out until June 27, costing the Guardians reliever much of the first half of the season. Upon his return, Sabrowski picked up where he left off, appearing in 33 games and going 0-1 with a 1.84 ERA and 1.19 WHIP. The lefty continued his strikeout prowess, retiring 42 batters over his 29 1/3 innings via the punchout. 
Elbow trouble has followed Sabrowski for much of his baseball career to this point. While in college, Sabrowski underwent Tommy John surgery during the 2018 season before once again undergoing the process in 2021 as a member of the Padres’ minor-league system. 
In his most recent outing, last Wednesday against the Tigers, Sabrowski struggled with command, walking the first two batters he faced before striking out Riley Greene. After being removed from the game, Sabrowski stated he was “a little sore” according to Vogt, prompting the Guardians to give him the next four days off before eventually placing Sabrowski on the IL. 
While the last time Sabrowski dealt with elbow inflammation it cost him three months of the season, the Guardians are hoping that they can get their star reliever back sooner as they try and claim their third straight American League Central on the backs of their pitching staff. 

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