The Cleveland Guardians believe in the adage, “You can never have too much pitching.”

Injuries and ineffectiveness can change any team’s pitching plans, so having extra arms on hand is always a good idea.

Jakob Junis, 32, signed a one-year contract with the Guardians yesterday for $4.5 million.

WINDING ROAD

Last year, Junis split time between Milwaukee and Cincinnati, and he was effective in both places.

Junis went 4-0 with a 2.42 ERA with the Brewers, mostly out of the bullpen.

Milwaukee traded him to the Reds, where he started five games and posted a 2.85 ERA.

This versatility is just what the Guardians need. If Junis doesn’t grab a spot in the starting rotation, he could fill the Pedro Avila role in long relief until he is needed.

Speaking of Avila, he just signed with the Tokyo-based Yakult Swallows.

ROYAL HISTORY

Junis made his major-league debut with the Kansas City Royals in 2017. As a starting pitcher, he won nine games in each of his first three seasons.

Unfortunately, Junis was 9-14 in that third year with an ERA of 5.24.

He only made 24 appearances with the Royals over the next two years, and his ERA was still over 5.00.

OFF TO THE BAY

A change of scenery helped Junis when he joined the San Francisco Giants in 2022.

He made 17 starts in 2022, but he switched to the bullpen one year later and posted a 3.87 ERA.

After bouncing to Milwaukee, Arizona, and now Cleveland, Junis could earn himself some stability by filling whichever role the Guardians need.