Expectations weren’t really too high back in late June when the Cleveland Guardians signed a still-rehabbing Matthew Boyd as a cheap free agent.
He was working his way back from Tommy John surgery performed in 2023.
It’s a move that savvy teams make, though: sign a talented pitcher, help him rehab and reap the benefits when he is healthy and ready to roll.
The transaction was made with an eye on the future, because teams can never have enough pitching depth.
That’s exactly what happened: injuries occurred, spots opened up in the rotation and a healthy Boyd ran away with one with top performances.
His team dedicated him an X post, praising him and recognizing his work on the mound.
“What a treat it’s been having Matthew Boyd in our rotation. Since his return from the injured list, Boyd has spun a 2.72 ERA with 46 strikeouts,” they wrote, with a video of some of his best pitchers as a Guardian.
What a treat it’s been having Matthew Boyd in our rotation.
Since his return from the injured list, Boyd has spun a 2.72 ERA with 46 strikeouts.#ForTheLand | @elkandelk pic.twitter.com/dDj2Bo2ENE
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) September 26, 2024
Boyd spent the majority of his career with a divisional foe: the Detroit Tigers.
He had nice seasons there, even if he fought with injuries and home runs most of the time.
Cleveland, however, is known for its excellent in working with pitchers and helping them achieve their full potential.
They seem to have worked wonders with Boyd, as he has looked like an ace most of the time.
The hardest part is about to come: thriving in the postseason, against the best hitters in the world.
Boyd, however, is in peak form and has a golden chance to show he belongs in the conversation among the best left-handed starters in the American League.
NEXT: Guardians Still Have An Outside Chance At Home-Field Advantage In The AL
