Guardians reliever Erik Sabrowski has not appeared in a recreation this spring as he nurses irritation in his pitching elbow. Whereas there isn’t a indication that the problem is especially critical, any elbow issues are regarding in the case of a pitcher who has already undergone two Tommy John surgical procedures in his profession. Based on MLB.com’s Tim Stebbins, Sabrowski was given “an anti-inflammatory injection” this previous week. The southpaw will take a while to relaxation earlier than being re-examined subsequent week – and hopefully beginning a throwing program quickly after. Nonetheless, this setback means he’s more likely to start the 2025 season on the IL.
By no means a highly-ranked prospect, Sabrowski burst onto the scene final September, tossing 12 2/3 innings and hanging out 19. Of the 47 batters he confronted, not one crossed the plate. Solely six reached base. Regardless of his lack of expertise, the left-hander made Cleveland’s postseason roster and continued to impress in October. He confronted 23 batters over 5 1/3 innings, hanging out eight. He gave up two runs, although just one was earned.
The star of Sabrowski’s arsenal is his four-seam fastball. He doesn’t throw it particularly onerous, however his lengthy extension will increase the pitch’s perceived velocity. He additionally will get nice motion on the pitch, and it’s his greatest weapon for producing swing and miss. The 27-year-old enhances his heater with two breaking balls – a curveball and a slider – each of which have the potential to be plus secondaries.
After his sturdy efficiency in 2024, Sabrowski appeared like an excellent guess to make the Guardians’ Opening Day roster and pitch significant innings out of the bullpen in 2025. Whereas the previous is now unlikely, the latter remains to be a robust chance. Not solely is Sabrowski a promising arm – the ZiPS projection system sees him posting an ERA within the mid-3.00s – however he’s one in all solely two left-handed relievers with MLB expertise on Cleveland’s 40-man roster. With Sabrowski on the shelf, RosterResource presently has Tim Herrin and Doug Nikhazy because the lefties within the projected Opening Day bullpen. Herrin is a lock, however Nikhazy has no MLB expertise and subsequent to no expertise pitching out of the ’pen. If Sabrowski can get again to full well being quickly, he ought to have a job ready for him.
