Guardians To Call Up Pitching Prospect To Make MLB Debut vs. Red Sox

The Cleveland Guardians are calling up pitching prospect Doug Nikhazy.

Mar 11, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Doug Nikhazy (65) throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images / Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Stephen Vogt has emphasized over the last few days how thin the Cleveland Guardians' bullpen has been.

The organization is set to address this issue on Saturday by calling up one of their top pitching prospects in the organization to make their MLB debut against the Boston Red Sox in the second game of a doubleheader.

Doug Nikhazy - Called-Up From Triple-A

Per MLB.com's Tim Stebbings, the Guardians are calling up their 21st-ranked prospect, Doug Nikhazy, who will start game two of Cleveland's doubleheader with the Red Sox after Friday's game was postponded due to inclament weather.

As Stebbins pointed out, the team hasn't officially announced the promotion yet, so it remains to be seen what the corresponding move is.

Doug Nikhazy is set to make his MLB debut in Game 2 of Saturday’s doubleheader.

Ben Lively will start Game 1.

— Tim Stebbins (@tim_stebbins) April 25, 2025

Nikhazy, a second-round pick in 2021, was one of Cleveland's standouts during spring training, but ultimately started the season at Triple-A to ensure he was stretched out and ready whenever called upon.

In four starts with the Columbus Clippers this season, Nikhazy has a 3.44 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP. The left-hander has demonstrated solid command of the strike zone this season with a 28.2 K% and a BB% of just nine.

In a best-case scenario, Nikhazy can get through Boston's order once or twice before handing the ball over to one of Cleveland's long relievers, such as Joey Cantillo or Jakob Junis.

If Nikhazy can make a solid first impression at the big league level, the Guardians could turn to him to fill more innings or become a member of the rotation later on this season.

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