The Cleveland Guardians earned their 11th win of the young season – against just five losses – on Monday against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.
Friday’s rainout altered their pitching plans for the weekend, forcing them to use two starters on Saturday.
That prompted the decision to call-up Xzavion Curry to start Monday’s game.
Curry was a valuable contributor last year, with a 4.07 ERA in 95 innings pitched in a dual role.
The Guardians’ improved pitching staff this time around left him with no spot on the Opening Day roster, though.
He knew that he would be one of the first arms to be called up should a pitcher be needed in the majors, and that’s exactly what happened.
It depended on him to make a lasting impression when he got that chance.
And boy, did he impress.
He managed to keep a quality offense in check for five scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and a walk.
He struck out three.
After the game, he didn’t hide his happiness and spoke about the Guardians’ special clubhouse.
“‘Honestly, it’s a feeling I really can’t even describe.’ After tossing five scoreless innings in his season debut, Xzavion Curry talks about the @CleGuardians bond in the clubhouse and getting back on the rubber for the squad,” Bally Sports Cleveland tweeted, with a video of the interview.
"Honestly, it's a feeling I really can't even describe."
After tossing five scoreless innings in his season debut, Xzavion Curry talks about the @CleGuardians bond in the clubhouse and getting back on the rubber for the squad. #ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/OY4KP3A4XJ
— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) April 15, 2024
The bullpen completed the task at hand and kept the Red Sox off the scoreboard for the entire game, fueling a 6-0 victory.
There is no word on what’s next for Curry, but a return to Triple-A is possible.
It’s also possible that he sticks around and takes Shane Bieber’s spot on the staff.
The next few hours will help fans answer that question.
The only certain thing is that Curry definitely helped his own case with his performance on Monday.
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