Guardians Could Have 2 Lockdown Lefties In Bullpen

The Cleveland Guardians have the potential to have two lockdown lefties in their bullpen: Erik Sabrowski and Tim Herrin.

Other southpaws are vying for a spot in the pitching staff, such as Kolby Allard and Parker Messick, but Sabrowski and Herrin are locks to break camp with the team and could potentially be the only lefties in the Guardians bullpen. Manager Stephen Vogt praised both of them on Sunday.

“I continue to view Timmy Herrin as one of the best left-handed relievers in baseball,” Vogt said, per Tony Carter of Cleveland.com. “Timmy’s worked really hard to get to the cues that help him and he’s been great this spring and we expect nothing less from him.”

Herrin was the worst-ranked Guardians pitcher of the 2025 campaign per fWAR with -0.4, posting a 4.85 ERA and a 5.08 FIP in 42.2 innings. He completely lost the strike zone and walked 6.33 batters per nine innings.

That number has come down in a very small spring training size, but is still elevated at 5.40. It’s the result of three walks in five innings.

However, Vogt knows what Herrin is capable of. In 2024, he finished with a 1.92 ERA in 65.2 frames, walking a more manageable 3.43 per nine. As long as he can improve his control, big things are in store for him in 2026.

Injuries limited Sabrowski to 29.1 MLB innings last season, but he was brilliant with a 1.84 ERA and 42 punchouts. Like Herrin, he experienced issues with his control, walking 6.44 batters per nine innings.

“He’s made an impression since the day he’s walked through the doors in ’24 and he’s been a big part of our team,” Vogt said. “I’m excited for Erik, and hopefully he continues on the path that he’s on.”

Sabrowski has pitched three frames in the 2026 Cactus League, conceding a run, striking out six, and walking two. If Herrin has potential, Sabrowski boasts an even higher ceiling. He needs health and consistency with his release point, but once he gets in a groove, he is close to untouchable.

All things considered, the Guardians have two very solid left-handers in the back of their bullpen, getting ready to offer late-inning security and swing-and-miss stuff. Their bullpen is much more than Cade Smith and Hunter Gaddis, and Herrin and Sabrowski are a big reason why.