Don’t be fooled by Cleveland Guardians prospect Doug Nikhazy’s spring training ERA of 7.27 in 8.2 innings.
You might look at that number and say it’s elevated, and it is.
What you shouldn’t say is that he had a terrible spring.
Far from it, actually.
He was really impressive in camp, and leading up to his last outing of the Cactus League against a stacked Los Angeles Dodgers lineup, he had a perfect 0.00 ERA in seven frames.
Of course, when you allow seven runs in just 1.2 innings, bad things will happen to your ERA.
The Guardians decided to option Nikhazy to Triple-A after that outing because they didn’t have space for him in their rotation.
The southpaw was excellent in his first start of the season for Columbus (Triple-A) on Friday, though.
“Cleveland #Guardians 25yr old LHP prospect Doug Nikhazy struck out six batters today allowing two runs over five innings of work in his first start of the 2025 season for Triple-A Columbus. Line – 5.0(IP) 3H 2R 2ER 2BB 6SO (65 Pitches 44 Strikes). His fastball topped out at 92.0 mph and averaged 90.1 mph,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Cleveland #Guardians 25yr old LHP prospect Doug Nikhazy struckout six batters today allowing two runs over five innings of work in his first start of the 2025 season for Triple-A Columbus.
Line – 5.0(IP) 3H 2R 2ER 2BB 6SO
(65 Pitches 44 Strikes)
His fastball topped out at… pic.twitter.com/zJjUG84mYZ
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) March 28, 2025
Nikhazy took a step forward with his control and command in 2024 and was able to put up a 2.98 ERA in 123.2 frames between Double-A and Triple-A.
His 2.87 ERA in Columbus in 75.1 innings last year seems to indicate that he is ready to be tested in MLB.
That won’t happen right now or in the foreseeable future, mainly because of the organizational depth of the Guardians.
Maybe injuries or his own performance will eventually force him into the big league equation at some point in the summer.
For now, he will have to keep performing and waiting for his chance.
NEXT: Guardians Promote Top Prospect To Double-A
