The Guardians record left-hander Doug Nikhazy as their possible starter for the second sport of tomorrow’s doubleheader in opposition to the Purple Sox. Cleveland already added him to their 40-man roster over the offseason. Groups are permitted to hold an additional participant on the energetic roster throughout a doubleheader, so that they gained’t must make any corresponding strikes.
It’ll be Nikhazy’s main league debut. Cleveland drafted the Ole Miss product within the second spherical in 2021. The 6’0″ southpaw has turned in typically strong numbers over 4 minor league seasons. He owns a 3.87 earned run common throughout 346 1/3 skilled innings. Nikhazy turned in a 2.98 ERA by 123 2/3 frames divided between the highest two minor league ranges final 12 months. He punched out just a little greater than 1 / 4 of opponents whereas issuing walks at a barely elevated 10.8% clip.
Baseball America ranked Nikhazy because the #16 prospect within the Cleveland system over the offseason. BA writes that he encompasses a four-pitch combine that’s headlined by his slider and changeup. He doesn’t throw arduous, averaging 90.9 MPH on his fastball this season. The secondaries have typically missed bats, although Nikhazy’s fringe command means he’s not fairly a pitchability lefty.
Nikhazy has labored 18 1/3 innings throughout 4 begins at Triple-A Columbus this 12 months. He has allowed 9 runs, seven earned, with 22 strikeouts and 7 walks. Tomorrow’s begin will in all probability be a one-off enabled by the additional roster spot, however his strong minor league monitor report means he could possibly be up and down as rotation depth over the course of the season.
