The Cleveland Guardians have built the best bullpen in baseball. How can it possibly get even better?
How The Guardians Can Make The Best Bullpen In Baseball Better
The Cleveland Guardians currently hold the first seed in the American League and the best record in all of baseball at 65-42. One of the main reasons for Cleveland’s success is the strength of its bullpen, which is arguably the best in the sport.
Coming into the season, there were questions about Cleveland’s bullpen outside of the closer spot. Injuries to Sam Hentges, James Karinchak, and Trevor Stephan only added to the concern. However, some surprise pitchers emerged to turn the worries into the Guardians biggest strength.
The Guardians Three-Headed Monster
The Guardians bullpen has been anchored by the trio of Emmanuel Clase, Hunter Gaddis, and Cade Smith. The three have combined for a 1.36 ERA and 160 strikeouts in 151.3 innings pitched. Only four home runs have been allowed by the three relievers.
Clase, who earned the save for the American League in the All-Star game, has been basically automatic. He’s tied for the lead league in saves with 33 while only blowing three. He owns a 0.72 ERA, which is first among all qualified relievers, and 43 strikeouts in 50.1 innings pitched.
Gaddis and Smith, both rookies, have put together impressive campaigns as the setup men for Clase. Gaddis, originally a starter, struggled in the few appearances he made the last two seasons. Since being converted to a reliever Gaddis has thrived with a 1.41 ERA, seventh among relievers, and 47 strikeouts in 51 innings. He is also sixth in the league in holds with 23. Smith has 15 holds of his own while also being tied for third in strikeouts among qualified relievers with 70 in just 50.2 innings pitched.
The rest of the bullpen has been impressive as well. After posting a 5.53 ERA in 27 innings last season, Tim Herrin has rebounded with a 1.27 ERA and 42 strikeouts in 42.2 innings this year. His ERA is sixth among qualified relievers. Pedro Avila has been exceptional at eating innings in long relief while Scott Barlow and Nick Sandlin have reliably kept pressure off of the top three.
However, it is possible that a bullpen this dominant can get even better this season.
Reinforcements For The Bullpen
Only one year after being selected in the draft out of the University of Miami, Andrew Walters has been tearing through the minors. He dominated Double-A with a 1.35 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 20 innings before getting the call-up to Triple-A Columbus. As Mandy Bell of MLB.com wrote, Walters could be on the fast track to the majors. Franco Aleman was also turning heads in the minors, allowing zero earned runs with 38 strikeouts in 24 innings last year in Double-A. However, he suffered an injury after only 13 innings in Triple-A this season and a call-up seems unlikely.
Other than Walters, the bullpen should see a boost by the return of Sam Hentges from the injured list. In limited time this year, Hentges has a 3.04 ERA and 27 strikeouts. According to MLB.com, Hentges is beginning a rehab assignment and is expected to return in early August.
The addition of Hentges and potentially Walters to an already strong bullpen could help propel the Guardians into the postseason. Quality relievers are essential to postseason success. Cleveland will likely keep leaning on its three-headed monster of Clase, Gaddis, and Smith for as long as it possible.
Main Photo Credits: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
