The Cleveland Guardians have made a roster move, optioning left-handed reliever Tim Herrin to Triple-A Columbus. The transaction occurred before the Guardians concluded their series against the Houston Astros. To fill Herrin's spot on the roster, the Guardians selected the contract of another left-hander, Kolby Allard.
Allard's path to rejoining the Guardians was a bit unconventional. He had previously been designated for assignment on July 3rd. After clearing waivers and becoming a free agent, Allard elected to re-sign with the Guardians on a minor league deal. His return provides the team with another option in the bullpen.
Herrin's demotion comes as a surprise to some, considering his pivotal role in the Guardians' bullpen last season. He was a key component of what was considered one of the league's best bullpens, helping the team secure the AL Central title and advance to the American League Championship Series.
Herrin's Performance: A Tale of Two Seasons
Last year, Herrin was a dominant force. In 75 appearances, he posted a 5-1 record with an outstanding 1.92 ERA. He recorded 68 strikeouts while issuing only 25 walks in 65 2/3 innings of work. Opposing batters struggled against him, managing a meager .173 batting average.
Herrin, alongside Cade Smith, Hunter Gaddis, and closer Emmanuel Clase, formed the core of a bullpen that led Major League Baseball in ERA. The group's exceptional performance set a high standard, making it difficult to replicate their success this season. While all four relievers have experienced struggles at various points in the current campaign, Herrin's recent slump appears to have been the catalyst for this roster move.
Despite the demotion, Herrin's overall numbers for the season aren't terrible. He has a 4-2 record with a 3.99 ERA in 39 appearances. However, his command has been inconsistent, as evidenced by his 22 walks compared to 28 strikeouts in 29 1/3 innings pitched. Notably, in his last three outings, he issued six walks. Even with those struggles, opponents are hitting just .214 against him, and left-handed batters are faring even worse, with a .186 average.
Manager Vogt's Perspective
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt addressed the roster change, stating, "With the things that have transpired for us over the last week, and having a few guys in the bullpen who are limited, we knew a day like this was going to come. We needed to make a move in the bullpen and unfortunately it was Tim Herrin."
Vogt emphasized that the decision wasn't solely based on performance. "Not only is this a move made out of necessity to add Kolby and his innings," Vogt explained, "it’s a good opportunity for Timmy to go take a deep breath. He can get on a scheduled timeline for a couple of weeks at Triple-A and get some side sessions in."
The manager expressed confidence in Herrin's potential, adding, "When he’s throwing strikes, not one person wants to face him from the right or left side."
A Deeper Dive into Herrin's Declining Numbers
Looking at some advanced statistics, it's clear that Herrin's performance has declined this season. His hard-hit percentage has increased significantly, jumping from 36.5% last year to 48.1% this year. Simultaneously, his strikeout percentage has decreased from 26.5% to 21.2%, while his walk percentage has climbed from 9.7% to 16.7%. These metrics suggest that Herrin is not commanding the ball as effectively as he did last season, leading to more hard contact and fewer strikeouts.
Kolby Allard's Return
Kolby Allard has pitched effectively for the Guardians this season, posting a 2-0 record with a 2.55 ERA in 16 appearances. He began the year in Columbus before joining Cleveland in late April. His familiarity with the organization and his recent success at the major league level likely played a role in the Guardians' decision to bring him back.
Looking Ahead
The Guardians are hoping that Tim Herrin can use his time in Triple-A to regain his form and work on his command. A return to his 2023 performance would be a significant boost to the Guardians' bullpen as they navigate the remainder of the season. As for Allard, he'll look to provide stability and reliable innings in Herrin's absence. The team's ability to effectively utilize its bullpen will be crucial as they contend for a playoff spot.
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