The Cleveland Guardians were forced to place right-handed pitcher Alex Cobb on the 15-day injured list with blister issues.
They have been affecting him on and off since landing in Cleveland from San Francisco via trade.
The news of Cobb’s injury and IL placement are certainly disappointing, as he boasts a rock-solid 2.76 ERA in 16.1 innings this year.
But if there is a silver lining for Cleveland is that this gave him a roster spot to call up a potentially impactful reliever for the stretch run.
The Guardians bullpen is deep and effective, but has also been overused and could use a breather.
Bringing up relief pitching prospect Andrew Walters can help give the unit another weapon to navigate those tough last few innings without having to use the top guys every game.
Walters, of course, will have to earn manager Stephen Vogt’s trust from the go, and that starts from the moment he reports in the clubhouse.
On the mound, the potential is undeniable, though.
The 62nd pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, Walters’ ascent through the minors was lightning quick.
He didn’t even pitch last year in the minors, but the Guardians knew he was very close to being MLB-ready and put him in Double-A to start his year.
He posted an amazing 1.35 ERA there, in 20 innings, with 38 strikeouts.
Then, in Triple-A, he had a 2.97 ERA in 30.1 frames.
He punched out 41 hitters there, albeit with 17 walks.
As Guardias reporter @JL_baseball posted on X, he hasn’t allowed a run in about a month and a half.
“Andrew Walters hasn’t allowed a run since July 26. That spans 15 appearances (12.2 IP), 16 strikeouts, just 2 walks and 5 hits allowed. About the only thing Walters hasn’t done yet this year in the minors is pitch back to back games. But in Sept/Oct, CLE may not need him to,” he wrote.
Andrew Walters hasn't allowed a run since July 26. That spans 15 appearances (12.2 IP), 16 strikeouts, just 2 walks and 5 hits allowed.
About the only thing Walters hasn't done yet this year in the minors is pitch back to back games. But in Sept/Oct, CLE may not need him to. https://t.co/2pEjfMlJlQ
— Justin L. (@JL_Baseball) September 12, 2024
Here is what you need to know about Walters: he is nasty.
He could be an incredible source of strikeouts for Cleveland, but he will need to keep the walks in check because MLB hitters are much, much better than those in Triple-A.
NEXT: Guardians Starter Returns To The Injured List
