Cleveland left-hander Parker Messick is set to make his major league debut on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, against the Arizona Diamondbacks in a crucial matchup for both teams. The Guardians announced Messick’s promotion after he was selected as the team’s second-round pick in the 2022 draft. He will take the mound in the final game of a three-game series in Phoenix, with playoff implications on the line.
The Diamondbacks will counter with right-hander Brandon Pfaadt, who holds a record of 12-8 and an ERA of 5.08. Arizona secured a 6-5 victory over Cleveland in the second game of the series on Tuesday, turning a 4-2 deficit into a lead after the Guardians left the bases loaded in both the seventh and eighth innings. Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt commented on the team’s missed opportunities, stating, “We had a lot of weak contact tonight, but that’s a testament to their pitching.”
Messick, 24, arrives in the majors after a solid performance at the Triple-A level, where he posted a record of 5-6 and a 3.47 ERA in 20 starts for the Columbus Clippers. In those outings, he accumulated 119 strikeouts against 42 walks over 98 2/3 innings. His recent form has been particularly impressive, with a 2.93 ERA and an 0.88 WHIP in his last five starts, totaling 30 2/3 innings. His signature pitch is a low-80s changeup, which has proven effective in generating weak contact from opposing hitters.
Impact of Lineup Changes on Arizona
The Diamondbacks have also undergone adjustments to their batting order. In recent games, Geraldo Perdomo, Ketel Marte, and Corbin Carroll have consistently batted in the top three positions. This trio has combined for an impressive batting average of .323, alongside six doubles, three triples, four home runs, 14 RBIs, and nine stolen bases in their last eight games. Notably, Carroll, who has hit 27 home runs this season, recently achieved his fourth two-triple game of the year, marking a career and major league high of 16 triples.
Arizona manager Torey Lovullo expressed confidence in the revised batting order, stating, “With the way ‘Gerry’ gets on base and the way Marte is able to hit the baseball, I feel that he’s going to be able to slug with guys on and help us score some runs.” Lovullo emphasized the importance of flexibility in lineup management, acknowledging the need for adjustments based on performance.
Pfaadt’s Recent Performance
Pfaadt recently set a career high in victories with a 13-6 win over Colorado on August 10. However, he faced a setback in his last outing, allowing four runs over six innings in a 4-3 loss against the Rockies in a rematch on Friday. Reflecting on the game, Pfaadt stated, “We stayed in the game and ultimately gave our team a chance to win the game. Just didn’t come out on top.” Despite his struggles, he is currently tied for third in the National League in wins but ranks 23rd in ERA among qualified pitchers.
Pfaadt holds a 1-0 record against the Guardians, having allowed two runs and four hits in a strong performance during a 7-3 victory in Cleveland on August 7, 2024. As the teams prepare for this pivotal match, both Messick and Pfaadt will be looking to make a significant impact on the outcome of the series, with postseason aspirations hanging in the balance.
