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The Cleveland Guardians’ bullpen was a point of emphasis during the offseason, and while the group has a strong start to the 2026 season, it is starting to show some cracks.
Part of this could be how much the team has relied on the bullpen amid a 13-game stretch in 13 days, leaving it thin and overworked in nearly every game over the last week.
When the Guardians needed to add a fresh arm to the reliever core, they opted to designate Kolby Allard for assignment on April 13 after he threw 87 pitches in two days. Hunter Gaddis took his spot in the bullpen and on the 26-man roster ahead of Cleveland’s series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals.
After the roster moves, Allard opted to elect free agency, but the reliever is now back with the Cleveland organization. On Saturday, the Guardians re-signed the left-hander to a Minor League deal and optioned him to Triple-A Columbus.
Mar 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Kolby Allard (49) throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Allard’s overall season stats don’t do justice to how much value he’s brought to the Guardians’ bullpen this season, and even going back to last year. Yes, he has a 10.38 ERA (10ER/8.2IP) with a 2.19 WHIP, but Allard has routinely saved Cleveland’s bullpen, which is exactly what he did last Sunday against the Atlanta Braves.
“Kolby does this for us all the time,” said manager Stephen Vogt last Sunday. “Obviously gave up some runs tonight, but he takes the ball, and he saves the bullpen. That's what he does. And then we know he can get some big outs when we need him to, too.”
Not everyone’s job in the bullpen is going to be to get outs in the ninth inning, as nice as that would be. Allard is a long reliever, and one the Guardians have continued to rely on.
Even though Allard is back in the Minors and not currently on the 40-man roster, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him back with the big-league club later this season if the Guardians get into another bind and need a pitcher that can give the team multiple innings of relief out of the bullpen.
Guardians Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Guardians. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.
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Part of this could be how much the team has relied on the bullpen amid a 13-game stretch in 13 days, leaving it thin and overworked in nearly every game over the last week.
When the Guardians needed to add a fresh arm to the reliever core, they opted to designate Kolby Allard for assignment on April 13 after he threw 87 pitches in two days. Hunter Gaddis took his spot in the bullpen and on the 26-man roster ahead of Cleveland’s series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals.
After the roster moves, Allard opted to elect free agency, but the reliever is now back with the Cleveland organization. On Saturday, the Guardians re-signed the left-hander to a Minor League deal and optioned him to Triple-A Columbus.
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Mar 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Kolby Allard (49) throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Allard’s overall season stats don’t do justice to how much value he’s brought to the Guardians’ bullpen this season, and even going back to last year. Yes, he has a 10.38 ERA (10ER/8.2IP) with a 2.19 WHIP, but Allard has routinely saved Cleveland’s bullpen, which is exactly what he did last Sunday against the Atlanta Braves.
“Kolby does this for us all the time,” said manager Stephen Vogt last Sunday. “Obviously gave up some runs tonight, but he takes the ball, and he saves the bullpen. That's what he does. And then we know he can get some big outs when we need him to, too.”
Not everyone’s job in the bullpen is going to be to get outs in the ninth inning, as nice as that would be. Allard is a long reliever, and one the Guardians have continued to rely on.
Even though Allard is back in the Minors and not currently on the 40-man roster, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him back with the big-league club later this season if the Guardians get into another bind and need a pitcher that can give the team multiple innings of relief out of the bullpen.
Guardians Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Guardians. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.
Continue reading...
