Once again, the Cleveland Guardians have one of the best relief corps in the American League.
Emmanuel Clase’s early-season struggles are probably the primary reason this unit isn’t truly elite at the moment from an ERA standpoint (they are 17th with a 3.95 mark), but everyone knows that Cleveland boasts elite relievers throughout its bullpen.
Everybody talks about how Clase has regained his form, or how Cade Smith is a true fireman and one of the most talented arms in the league.
Both are true, but Hunter Gaddis deserves more attention.
On Friday, he virtually saved the entire bullpen with his brilliant two-inning performance against the best squad in baseball, the Detroit Tigers.
Gaddis allowed no runs and just one hit, with no walks and two strikeouts.
He lowered his season ERA to an incredible 0.86.
That’s even better than last year’s already elite 1.57.
How has he managed to improve a line that few hurlers can beat?
Manager Steven Vogt offered his two cents on the potential reasons.
“I think just the command. The fastball has a lot more life this year than it did last year. The velo is about the same but a lot more [vertical break] to it,” said Vogt after the game, per Guardians on SI.
Gaddis’ fastball is his bread and butter.
If he can place it where he wants, throw it hard, and add some ride to it, hitters just won’t be able to inflict any damage.
That’s exactly what’s happening.
Gaddis was once a failed starter, but the organization was savvy enough to employ its resources and work to make him an above-average reliever.
Instead, they developed him into a true bullpen star.
NEXT: Guardians Backend Starter Finally Delivering Results On The Mound
