Hunter Gaddis Pitching His Way Onto The Guardians Opening Day Roster

Hunter Gaddis continues to turn heads in Spring Training as the Cleveland Guardians look to finalize their Opening Day roster.

One of the biggest surprises of Spring Training so far has been the breakout of pitching prospect Hunter Gaddis. 

Gaddis did make his Big League debut with the Cleveland Guardians back in 2022, but it was a time that he probably wants to forget about. Over two starts he gave up 15 hits and 15 runs in a matter of 7.1 total innings pitched.

That's not how most players envision their first few games going.

But Hunter has returned to Guardians' camp with a newfound level of confidence and command that could put himself back on the Big League roster.

Sep 15, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Hunter Gaddis (70) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Gaddis has pitched in five games for the Guardians in Spring Training and started in two of them. In those appearances, he's pitched a total of 13.0 innings and has an ERA of just 2.77. He's also demonstrating incredible command striking out 17 batters and only walking three.

On Monday afternoon the Guardians tied with the Texas Rangers. Gaddis got the start in that game and pitched 3.2 innings and struck out six batters, walked no one, and only gave up one earned run. 

Guardians manager Terry Francona commented on what he thinks is different this time around for Gaddis:

"I do think with young guys when they come to the Major Leagues for the first time they're getting a lot thrown at them. But then he comes in this spring and he's reacquainting himself with people as opposed to introducing himself. Which I think helps. ... I think he looks more confident."

Confidence is everything in sports, especially for an MLB pitcher. The fact that Gaddis' coaches are noticing this confidence is a great sign that they see the potential in him.

There will be a spot available, maybe two, in the bullpen on Opening Day. Gaddis has always been a starter throughout his Minor League career, but his potential as a middle reliever is definitely intriguing.

The most important thing is that he's pitching his way onto the roster. It'd be very difficult for an organization to decline to put a pitcher such as Gaddis on the roster, especially when there is an opening there. 

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