Cleveland Guardiansright-hander Gavin Williams is one of the most talented pitching prospects in baseball.
He was called up last week and had a mediocre debut against the Oakland Athletics.
In 5.2 innings, he held his own by conceding four runs (with one home run) and three walks.
He struck out four.
His second MLB start, made on Tuesday against the Kansas City Royals, was much, much better.
Gavin Williams’ second start with the @CleGuardians was magical:
7 IP
1 H
0 ER
6 K pic.twitter.com/eLAEtLZWNZMLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) June 28, 2023
In seven frames, Williams only surrendered a hit and a walk: no runs of any kind.
He struck out six and showed the world why he is considered such a prized prospect.
That Tuesday start was more resembling of what he has done in the minor leagues this season.
The power pitcher opened the year in Double-A, but he quickly found himself at Triple-A after posting a 0.63 ERA in three starts.
In Triple-A, Williams ERA was a rock-solid 2.93 in 46 innings.
His BB/K ratio there was 21/61.
The Guardians rotation has suffered all kinds of unexpected issues this year, ranging from injuries to underperformance.
Williams being effective in his first go as a major leaguer will go a long way into making the rotation competitive and potentially absorbing another blow: trading Shane Bieber.
The team could theoretically dangle Bieber s name in trade talks in upcoming weeks, knowing that Williams has everything to be the next Guardians ace.
Even if they hold on to Bieber, there could be a permanent place for Williams in the rotation as long as he continues to pitch like he did on Tuesday.