Manager Stephen Vogt delivered a message to Eli Morgan after his pivotal role in securing a playoff spot for the Guardians on Thursday afternoon against the Twins at Progressive Field.
“I told Eli that I thought it was fitting he was on the mound last in the clinching game,” said Vogt. “After what he’s been through injury-wise and his ups and downs from Triple-A this year.”
“Every time he takes the ball, he gives us everything he has. He’s been throwing well over the last month. I was just happy for him.”
Morgan entered the 10th inning against the Twins with the score tied at 2-2. After complicated situations unfolded, he hit Matt Wallner with a pitch and subsequently loaded the bases. However, he managed to retire the dangerous Carlos Correa and the inning ended with Byron Buxton lining out to right.
When Andres Gimenez singled home the game-winning run in the bottom of the 10th for a 3-2 win, Morgan clinched victory in a significant game.
“Thursday was fun, but like Vogt said, we need to get back to work because there’s more to be done,” Morgan stated.
Morgan’s record improved to 3-0 with a 1.64 ERA this season. He faced injury setbacks, being placed on the injured list twice for a sore right shoulder and elbow. After returning, he was optioned to Class AAA Columbus before being recalled on August 4. Since his return, he has posted a 1.46 ERA over his last 17 games.
Morgan contributes to one of the best and deepest bullpens in the big leagues, alongside Cade Smith, Tim Herrin, Hunter Gaddis, Nick Sandlin, and Emmanuel Clase. Pedro Avila and Erik Sabrowski have also performed well, with Sabrowski earning his first big league save on Friday by pitching 2 1/3 scoreless innings.
Some relievers previously contributing to the Guardians are no longer with the team, such as Scott Barlow and Wes Parsons, while others like Peter Strzelecki remain at Columbus. Sam Hentges is currently on the injured list.
“Relievers can’t throw every day,” noted Vogt regarding the bullpen’s depth. “We’ve had very few days where we’ve been light, and it hasn’t worked out. On Friday, Pedro and Erik were the freshest and ended the game effectively.”
The Guardians acquired Sabrowski in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft from San Diego in December 2021. He has overcome two Tommy John surgeries and has pitched 10 scoreless innings since his recall on September 4, striking out 13 with a .171 opponent batting average.
“From what I know now, after coming back from my second Tommy John surgery, I don’t think the first one went 100%,” Sabrowski reflected, noting his long recovery journey.
Throughout the year, the Guardians have seen 23 pitchers and one catcher, Austin Hedges, make relief appearances.
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