Guardians’ Gavin Williams Embraces Change to Secure Game 1 Wild Card Start
Cleveland Standout Gavin Williams Embraces Change En Route to AL Playoffs
Gavin Williams Revamps Pitching Strategy for Success
This season, Cleveland’s pitching ace Gavin Williams has demonstrated a remarkable willingness to adapt, making significant changes to his pitching repertoire to excel on the mound. Despite his aversion to needles, Williams embraced dry needling, a technique recommended by Corey Kluber, the Guardians’ pitching consultant, to alleviate muscle pain and fatigue.
Williams Overcomes Challenges with Determination
Williams, standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 250 pounds, initially struggled with the idea of dry needling, administered by the Guardians’ soft tissue expert Beth Mignano. “I really can’t look at it. I start sweating really, really bad,” admitted Williams. Nonetheless, his ability to push through discomfort has paid off, bringing marked improvements over last season’s performance.
Key Changes Lead to Improved Performance
After a challenging 2024 season, Williams has bounced back, finishing the regular season with a 12-5 record and an impressive 3.06 ERA over 31 starts. His transformation includes refining his pitching technique and reintroducing the slider and cutter to his arsenal, with additional guidance from pitching coach Carl Willis during the offseason.
Impact of New Pitching Strategies
- Restored the slider to its former effectiveness.
- Reintroduced the cutter with slight grip modifications.
- Added a sinker to complement the four-seam fastball and curveball.
“The cutter and sinker give him three fastball shapes,” explained Willis. “It’s helped me get deeper into games,” Williams added.
Guardians’ Path to the AL Wild Card
Thanks to Williams’ resurgence, the Guardians clinched the AL Central title, overcoming a significant deficit against the Tigers. With a record of 8-5 against Detroit this season, the team is well-prepared for the AL wild card opener at Progressive Field.
| Matchup | Date | Starting Pitchers |
|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | Tuesday | Gavin Williams vs. Tarik Skubal |
| Game 2 | Wednesday | Tanner Bibee (Guardians Starter) |
| Game 3 | Thursday | Slade Cecconi (Guardians Starter) |
The Star Struck Pitcher and His Journey
“I’m kind of star struck, just being able to start a playoff game,” Williams admitted, thrilled at the trust placed in him for Game 1. His journey from the early days at East Carolina, where he showcased potential, to refining his skill set with the Guardians, highlights his dedication and growth.
As the Cleveland Guardians prepare for their postseason run, the spotlight is on Gavin Williams, whose adaptability and perseverance have been pivotal in the team’s success.
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