Cleveland Guardians Sign 9-Year Veteran Starting Pitcher

June 28, 2024 , ,

The Cleveland Guardians have signed nine-year veteran starting pitcher Matthew Boyd to a major league contract, pending a physical examination, as reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post and confirmed by Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. 

Boyd, 33, spent last season with the Detroit Tigers, where he made 15 starts, compiling a 5-5 record with a 5.45 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP over 71 innings pitched. 

Despite these modest numbers, Boyd has shown the potential to be a reliable starter throughout his career, making him a valuable addition to the Guardians' rotation.

Boyd's career has been marked by both solid contributions and significant injuries. He underwent flexor tendon surgery in September 2021 and Tommy John surgery in June 2022, limiting his innings since the end of the 2019 season. 

However, his past performances, including a standout 2019 season with a 30.2% strikeout rate highlight his capability when healthy. 

The Guardians, currently boasting the best record in the American League at 51-27, have faced challenges with their starting rotation due to injuries and inconsistent performances, making Boyd's signing a strategic move to bolster their pitching depth.

Boyd’s addition comes at a crucial time for the Guardians as they prepare for a postseason push. 

While young pitchers like Tanner Bibee and Logan Allen have stepped up, and Ben Lively has provided unexpected contributions, veterans Triston McKenzie and Carlos Carrasco have struggled with consistency. 

Additionally, the team awaits the season debut of Gavin Williams, who is recovering from an elbow injury. Boyd's experience and potential to stabilize the rotation will be invaluable to first-year manager Stephen Vogt as the Guardians look to maintain their division lead and achieve postseason success.

Photo Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports



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