Gavin Williams Strikes Out Four In Guardians Spring Training Debut

Gavin Williams strikes out four Los Angeles Angels in his Cleveland Guardians 2024 debut.

Will the trio of rookie starting pitchers be able to replicate their breakout seasons this year? That's the question all Cleveland Guardians fans want to know heading into 2024.

While we'll still have to wait to see how it all plays out, Gavin Williams certainly started the season out on a good note.

Williams made his spring training debut on Thursday afternoon against the Los Angeles Angels. He pitched just two innings but didn't allow a single hit and only walked one. 

The swing-and-miss factor was also on display in this first outing. The second-year starter retired the first side in order and struck out four, including three-time MVP Mike Trout and MLB veteran Aaron Hicks. 

Williams broke down what was working for him following the start.

"Me and [David Fry] just talked before the game. Had a game with everything and him, the way he set up behind the plate, helped out a lot because I think in the past I've been missing a little bit of arm side. So, having him know where to set up when I need it was helpful."

This was also the first time that Stephen Vogt got to watch Williams pitch in a live game setting. Needless to say, the Guardians' rookie manager was impressed with what he saw.

"Gavin was great," said Vogt after the game. "A lot of life on his fastball and some good breaking balls. I thought he looked really, really good. The first time out going two innings, really happy with the way he threw the ball." 

Feb 29, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Gavin Williams (32) throws in the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels during a spring training game at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports / © Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

It took a while for Williams to find his footing after being called up last season. Once he found his groove, it was hard to stop the right-hander and he even made Cleveland history in back-to-back starts.

Williams picked up right where he left off signaling another strong season.