The Cleveland Guardians didn’t make a lot of noise when they acquired Matt Festa.
The relief pitcher wasn’t a big name or a flashy star by any means.
However, he’s provided some much-needed consistency since he arrived in late April.
That’s why manager Stephen Vogt, who knew him from their time with the Seattle Mariners, recently had nothing but praise for the veteran right-hander.
“Matt Festa has been one of the biggest pieces in the bullpen all year,” Vogt said. “People look at his ERA and they’ll say things, but it’s three bad outings, if you really look at it. That’s why I don’t really ever look at a reliever’s ERA because that doesn’t tell the story of their season. Matt Festa has put out so many fires for us and he’s a great personality in that bullpen. He’s been a huge factor in our success this year.”
Festa is the type of reliable workhorse who can be out there day after day, which is a lot to say for any reliever.
The Guardians have turned to him early and often, and he’s already passed his career high with 54 appearances this season, which is third on the team behind Cade Smith (67) and Hunter Gaddis (64).
That’s a lot to say for a team that has always relied on its elite bullpen.
Festa is 3-3 with a 4.24 ERA, 46 strikeouts and 12 walks in 46.2 innings.
The Guardians need him to stay sharp and healthy for the final stretch of the season.
There’s no margin for error at this point, so Vogt will continue to put the ball in the hands of those he trusts the most as the Guardians chase an AL Wild Card berth.
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