Hunter Gaddis has been one of the best and most consistent relievers in the Cleveland Guardians’ bullpen in each of the last two seasons. He posted a 1.57 ERA in 2024 and a 3.11 mark last year, proving that he belongs in the elite.
However, Gaddis was placed on the injured list to open the year with a right forearm strain sustained in early March. He still hasn’t been able to return, but has been throwing rehab games in Triple-A Columbus.
The right-hander boasts a 10.38 ERA in 4.1 frames, with three walks and five punchouts.
At this point, Cleveland doesn’t really care too much about the results. The quality of his pitches, however, has been a bit concerning, particularly the four-seamer.
To put it simply, Gaddis’ velocity has been down considering his averages in the last couple of seasons. And that could be a sign that he’s not really 100 percent healthy.
“Really starting to get concerned about how healthy Guardians RHP Hunter Gaddis is. Gaddis allowed one run in an inning of work tonight for Columbus, but he only topped out at 92.7 mph. His velo has consistently been down in all of his rehab appearances to date,” Guardians Prospective posted on X after the reliever’s outing on Thursday.
Really starting to get concerned about how healthy #Guardians RHP Hunter Gaddis is. Gaddis allowed one run in an inning of work tonight for Columbus, but he only topped out at 92.7 mph. His velo has consistently been down in all of his rehab appearances to date.
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) April 10, 2026
Last season, he averaged 94.7 mph with his four-seamer. In 2024, his best season yet, the number was an even more impressive 95.4 mph.
On Thursday, however, Gaddis couldn’t even pitch a fastball faster than 93 mph. The Guardians won’t say it publicly, of course, but they have to be worried about the righty’s velocity and his effectiveness at this point.
Perhaps it’s the weather, or maybe he is still rounding into form after having spring training cut short with the injury. The truth is that he won’t be as effective as he was in 2024 and 2025 with that velocity.
The Guardians bullpen is much, much better with a healthy Gaddis, so everybody is hoping that it’s just a minor blip and he can regain his top velocity relatively soon.
He is crucial to Cleveland’s chances in 2026, as there aren’t many relievers like him on the roster.
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