Last year, the Cleveland Guardians’ bullpen looked unstoppable at times.
It was led by four relievers, all of them putting together career seasons: Emmanuel Clase, Cade Smith, Hunter Gaddis, and Tim Herrin.
Herrin was the lone left-hander of the group and a key cog in the unit that was missing fellow southpaw Sam Hentges.
He needed to be a relief pitching ace, and became just that with his 1.92 ERA in 2024.
Of course, expectations were sky-high for 2025.
They were so high that even a decent 3.99 ERA now has sent him to the minor leagues.
“Guards have optioned LHP Tim Herrin to Triple-A and selected the contract of LHP Kolby Allard. Here is was one of the cornerstones to last year’s shutdown bullpen,” team insider Paul Hoynes posted on X.
Guards have optioned LHP Tim Herrin to Triple-A and selected the contract of LHP Kolby Allard. Here is was one of the cornerstones to last year’s shutdown bullpen.
— paul hoynes (@hoynsie) July 9, 2025
Yes, Herrin had a 1.50 WHIP this year, but his 3.99 ERA was actually decent.
He had also put up a 3.18 ERA in his last seven games.
The problem is that he was walking more batters (six) than he had struck people out (five) over the same stretch.
Maintaining a roster spot is extremely hard in baseball, and the Guardians might want Herrin to go back to consistently throwing strikes before considering calling him up again.
Taking Herrin’s spot on the roster will be Kolby Allard, who had elected free agency after being designated for assignment on July 3.
Allard chose to come back to the Guardians organization and will return to a 2.55 ERA, but a 1.44 WHIP.
Herrin is too talented to stay down for long, so expect him to perform well in Triple-A to try and force Cleveland’s hand.
NEXT: Guardians Superstar Set To Miss All-Star Game
