Sam Hentges Strikes Out Two In Season Debut

Originally posted on FanNation Cleveland Baseball Insider
By Tommy Wild | Last updated 5/7/23

The Cleveland Guardians have a fantastic bullpen. They own a reliever ERA of 3.27 which ranks sixth-best in baseball. This is impressive considering how much the team has relied on them earlier in the season.

That bullpen also just got even better as they got a key reliever back off the injured list.

Sam Hentges started the season on the IL after being diagnosed with shoulder inflammation during Spring Training. This was a big blow for the team as the southpaw recorded a 2.32 ERA out of the bullpen during the 2022 season.

Hentges made his long-awaited return to the mound on Friday night against the Minnesota Twins. He only pitched 0.2 innings but struck out both batters he faced.

Hentges admitted after the game that he didn't think he would be put into a high-leverage situation. But there he was on the mound in the eighth inning tasked with holding onto a one-run lead.

He went on talk about the road back and what it was like to appear in a game:

"It's been frustrating just because I haven't been able to be here and be around the guys .. it felt good (to be back). I was a little bit nervous, but I think that's normal. But it felt great to be back out there, get the job done, and help the team win."

Cleveland's ability to lock down games late starts with pitchers such as Hentges and it's great to have him back in the pen!

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This article first appeared on FanNation Cleveland Baseball Insider and was syndicated with permission.

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