The Cleveland Guardians received some bad news last week when they found out right-hander Triston McKenzie would be returning to the injured list.
When healthy, he is one of the most dynamic pitchers in the American League.
It’s certainly a blow to the Guardians’ chances, but creates an opportunity to see a similarly talented kid make his MLB debut on Wednesday.
“The #Guardians are promoting 23-year-old RHP prospect Gavin Williams to make his MLB debut on Wednesday vs the A’s. He is currently with the team in Cleveland,” Guardians Prospective tweeted.
The #Guardians are promoting 23-year-old RHP prospect Gavin Williams to make his MLB debut on Wednesday vs the A's. He is currently with the team in Cleveland.
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) June 20, 2023
Williams is one of the most talented arms in the minor leagues at the moment, and now will get his chance to prove his worth in the majors.
The Guardians’ first-round pick of the 2021 MLB Draft, Williams has dominated the minor leagues to the tune of a 2.38 ERA, a 0.98 WHIP, and a 81/24 K/BB ratio in 60.1 innings (12 starts) this season between Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus.
In a season in which numerous pitching prospects have gotten hurt or have struggled at the MLB level, Williams has great odds of making a true impact in the rotation should he earn a permanent role.
The offense has been surging for the 33-38 Guardians in recent games, so it makes sense to try and make the pitching keep up the pace if the team wants to have a chance to make the playoffs again this year.
Williams can surely help: with excellent secondaries and a fastball that sits in the mid-to-high 90s and can touch 100, he has he tools to make a successful transition.
NEXT: Stats Show A Positive Sign For The Guardians
