Back in December, the Cleveland Guardians signed right-handed reliever Colin Holderman to a major league contract even after he posted a 7.01 ERA in Pittsburgh last year. He won a spot on the Opening Day bullpen despite not enjoying the best of springs.
Holderman, however, opened the 2026 campaign by allowing runs in each of his first two outings. In total, he conceded three runs, and even though one of them was unearned, the Guardians needed a roster spot and weren’t opposed to the idea of him working out the kinks in Triple-A Columbus.
He was optioned after his outing on March 29 and returned before April 26’s game, almost a month after his trip to Columbus. He came back stronger than ever, though.
“Colin Holderman’s return from Triple-A has been special. He’s looked remarkable. His season ERA has dropped to 1.50,” Guardians analyst Cade Cracas said.
Colin Holderman’s return from Triple-A has been special.
He’s looked remarkable. Season ERA has dropped to 1.50. #GuardsBall
— Cade Cracas (@CracasCade) May 6, 2026
It’s amazing how much difference a month makes. Holderman now looks in control and is on a roll. He has blossomed into a reliable multi-inning weapon out of the bullpen, which has been more important than you think with some injuries and out-of-form pitchers in the unit.
Since returning, Holderman has pitched five times. The fewest he has pitched in a game has been 1.1 innings, but he has completed two frames on three separate occasions since April 26.
Perhaps more importantly, he hasn’t conceded any runs since being re-inserted in the Guardians’ bullpen, earned or unearned. Over that span, he hasn’t even walked anyone, accumulating eight strikeouts in nine innings.
This is exactly what the Guardians envisioned back over the winter when they gave Holderman $1.5 million to sign with them: a guy who could take the ball and get four, five, or even six outs in any given game.
Not only does he put his team closer to its goal, but he also allows the bullpen to get a much-needed breather every time he pitches.
For the season, Holderman has allowed just three runs (two earned) in 12 innings of work, surrendering six hits and two walks while fanning 11. He has been well worth the money for a Cleveland team that tends to see value where others don’t.
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