The Cleveland Guardians were finally able to complete Monday’s suspended game against the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday afternoon.
It resulted in a heartbreaking loss after they fought their way back from a 5-2 deficit to tie the game, only to lose in the bottom of the ninth.
The Guards used most of their bullpen for that afternoon affair, including Jakob Junis, Joey Cantillo, Kolby Allard, and Cade Smith.
The expectation is that they will use Gavin Williams to start the night contest.
Since their bullpen will be incomplete for that one, the league allows Guardians and all teams playing a doubleheader a 27th man on their roster, just for the day of the doubleheader.
That man will be Doug Nikhazy.
“Doug Nikhazy will be the 27th man for game 2 today in MIN,” team insider Joe Noga posted on X.
Doug Nikhazy will be the 27th man for game 2 today in MIN.
— Joe Noga (@JoeNogaCLE) May 21, 2025
Nikhazy is one of the most experienced and MLB-ready pitching prospects in the organization.
He was enjoying a perfect spring until his last outing against the Los Angeles Dodgers left his Cactus League ERA in the 7.00s and made his hopes of making the roster go away.
Nikhazy has a 4.99 ERA in Triple-A Columbus in 30.2 innings this year, and an 18.00 mark in just three MLB frames.
He doesn’t really rely on velocity to succeed, but has a deep arsenal, and his control and command have improved since the start of the 2024 minor league season.
Expect Nikhazy to appear on the mound at some point on Wednesday’s nightcap and contribute some length if needed.
It’s yet another opportunity for him to make a lasting impression.
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