Sam Hentges Pitching Well In Rehab Assignment

Sam Hentges could make his return to the Cleveland Guardians sooner than later.

The Cleveland Guardians bullpen has been solid in the opening month of the 2023 season. They have a 3.18 ERA that ranks sixth-best in baseball. As good as that is, they aren't even at full strength yet.

One of the key pieces that made the Guardians one of the best bullpens in baseball has yet to make his season debut. This would be Southpaw set-up man Sam Hentges.

Hentges was shut down during Spring Training with shoulder inflammation and only made one appearance in which he pitched just one inning.

He's now made four appearances during his rehab assignment including two at Double-A and two at Triple-A. Over these four appearances, he's pitched 4.0 innings, struck out four, walked one, and allowed four hits. Hentges has also yet to give up a run.

#Guardians LHP Sam Hentges with a scoreless 7th inning for Triple-A Columbus today striking out one.

Line - 1.0(IP) 0H 0R 0ER 0BB 1SO (12 Pitches 9 Strikes)

Four rehab appearances between Akron and Columbus:

- 4.0(IP) 4H 0R 0ER 1BB 4SO 0.00 ERA#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/e5AdUyei8y

— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) April 27, 2023

Hentges is getting close to making his return, but the team is going to wait until he's more than ready to go and not risk re-aggravating the injury.

The lefty is going to make Celveland's bullpen even more intimidating when he returns. Hentges made the shift to the bullpen last season and immediately became one of Cleveland's best relievers. Hentges finished the regular season with a 2.23 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP. 

The Guardians are certainly eager for Hentges to make his return to the Big League club and it appears that could happen sooner than later. 

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