- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 447,796
- Reaction score
- 44
The Cleveland Guardians have lost three games in a row and allowed seven runs or more in each of those games.
Between Sunday's rubber match against the Red Sox at Progressive Field and Monday's loss to the Minnesota Twins, Cleveland has been outscored 24-4. Starters Logan Allen and Gavin Williams combined for 11 earned runs over 6 1/3 innings (16.23 ERA)
Following Monday's head-scratching loss, the Guardians made a slew of moves, including one on a journeyman veteran pitcher who had several years with the Philadelphia Phillies.
In response to Paul Sewald hitting the 15-day injured list due to right shoulder inflammation, the Guardians called up Joey Cantillo, and most notably righty Vince Velasquez.
Velasquez played for the Phillies from 2016 to the first half of 2021 prior to being traded to the Padres. Velasquez never had an ERA lower than 4.12 for the Phillies, and he pitched to a 5.56 ERA in 2020 and 6.30 ERA in 2021. Velasquez's ERA+ was never higher than 91, with 100 being the league average.
Velasquez hasn't stepped on a major league mound since 2023 due to UCL surgery; Velasquez went 4-4 with a 3.86 ERA for the Pittsburgh Pirates a season ago.
Velasquez's early results haven't been amazing, with a 6.00 ERA in 15 innings and four starts, with 16 walks and only 11 strikeouts. The Guardians are clearly in need of arms, though, with Sewald on the injured list and Tanner Bibee, Luis L. Ortiz and Allen all having troublesome starts to the season.
The decision to call him up is a commitment; given Velasquez's lengthy tenure in the majors, he can't be optioned back down to the minors without his consent. Cleveland would have to remove him from the 40-man roster altogether, which would send a strong statement.
As of now, Velasquez has earned another opportunity in the bigs, and there's exciting potential for a fresh start.
Continue reading...
Between Sunday's rubber match against the Red Sox at Progressive Field and Monday's loss to the Minnesota Twins, Cleveland has been outscored 24-4. Starters Logan Allen and Gavin Williams combined for 11 earned runs over 6 1/3 innings (16.23 ERA)
Following Monday's head-scratching loss, the Guardians made a slew of moves, including one on a journeyman veteran pitcher who had several years with the Philadelphia Phillies.
In response to Paul Sewald hitting the 15-day injured list due to right shoulder inflammation, the Guardians called up Joey Cantillo, and most notably righty Vince Velasquez.
Velasquez played for the Phillies from 2016 to the first half of 2021 prior to being traded to the Padres. Velasquez never had an ERA lower than 4.12 for the Phillies, and he pitched to a 5.56 ERA in 2020 and 6.30 ERA in 2021. Velasquez's ERA+ was never higher than 91, with 100 being the league average.
Velasquez hasn't stepped on a major league mound since 2023 due to UCL surgery; Velasquez went 4-4 with a 3.86 ERA for the Pittsburgh Pirates a season ago.
Velasquez's early results haven't been amazing, with a 6.00 ERA in 15 innings and four starts, with 16 walks and only 11 strikeouts. The Guardians are clearly in need of arms, though, with Sewald on the injured list and Tanner Bibee, Luis L. Ortiz and Allen all having troublesome starts to the season.
The decision to call him up is a commitment; given Velasquez's lengthy tenure in the majors, he can't be optioned back down to the minors without his consent. Cleveland would have to remove him from the 40-man roster altogether, which would send a strong statement.
As of now, Velasquez has earned another opportunity in the bigs, and there's exciting potential for a fresh start.
Related: Yankees Urged to Sign Released Former Top Guardians Pitching Prospect
Related: Two-Time Blue Jays All-Star Pitcher Ejected After Historic Inning
Related: Jarren Duran Involved in Fan Dispute After Netflix Doc
Related: Two-Time Blue Jays All-Star Pitcher Ejected After Historic Inning
Related: Jarren Duran Involved in Fan Dispute After Netflix Doc
Continue reading...
