Hunter Gaddis Finding Enjoyment, Success In New Role With Guardians

Cleveland Guardians: Hunter Gaddis has yet to allow an earned run this season as a member of the bullpen.

Hunter Gaddis is in his third Major League season with the Cleveland Guardians. However, everything is different this time around, and no it’s not because he got a haircut. Instead of taking the mound as a starter, the Guardians are using Gaddis out of the bullpen as a hard-throwing reliever. 

The preparation that comes with being a starter versus being a relief pitcher is completely different. It’s something that Gaddis is still getting used to, but is enjoying every bit of it.

“It’s really just always being ready,” said Gaddis. “As a starter, you got four days off, so you really just get your work in an hour a day and you’re done. This time it’s, you get your work done, then you’ve got to be ready whenever you’re name is called … I enjoy it a lot. I like getting thrown in whenever my name is called. So far, I’m really enjoying it.”

Gaddis also mentioned that one of the biggest differences between being a starter and a reliever is pacing through an appearance. Now that he’s coming out of the bullpen, Gaddis can let the ball fly which appears to be beneficial game plan.

Mar 31, 2024; Oakland, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Hunter Gaddis (33) throws a pitch against the Oakland Athletics during the seventh inning at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports

Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports

His current average fastball velocity is 96.2 mph, a significant increase from his 93.4 mph velocity from last season, per Baseball Savant.

The right-hander has pitched in four games this season and hasn't issued a run or a walk, given up four hits, and has struck out five batters. It may be a new role for Gaddis, but he’s proving that he can be a critical piece to Cleveland's pitching staff throughout the season.