CLEVELAND, OH - Throughout the 2024 season, the Cleveland Guardians (72-49) have been searching high and low for answers in their starting rotation. It might be early, but the Guardians seem to have found two of them in veterans Matthew Boyd and Alex Cobb.
They might not have been the star-studded names that fans have clamored for, but they might be just what the doctor ordered.
Following up Boyd's stellar debut for the Guardians, Cobb delivered an impressive performance in his first start at Progressive Field, earning the win. The 36-year-old threw 5.2 innings on Wednesday night, allowing three hits, two walks and a single run while striking out three Cubs hitters.
With Cobb getting the win on Wednesday, it is the first win by a Guardians starting pitcher outside of Gavin Williams, Tanner Bibee, and Ben Lively since Carlos Carrasco’s against the Toronto Blue Jays on June 21st. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt had nothing but praise for Cobb after the start.
“One of the biggest outings of the year for us,” Vogt said of Cobb's start. “We needed him to go deep [with] where the bullpen was. We didn't have a whole lot out there [in the bullpen] today so for him to be efficient the way he was, he was outstanding, quick outs, attacking. That was really, really big out of him.”
Cobb's efficiency and effectiveness was something that the team has struggled with this season, dealing with long 20, 25, even 30 pitch innings at times from starting pitchers. The most the veteran through in one inning was 19 pitches, which came in the sixth inning before he was pulled. He threw 80 pitches, including 50 strikes, 10 of which also came in the 6th inning.
After two great performances, Vogt couldn't help but heap praise onto both Boyd and Cobb for their professionalism.
“They're professional pitchers,” Vogt said of what Cobb and Boyd’s additions have meant to the team after the win. “They've been doing this for a long time. They know how to pitch. They know how to navigate lineups. Both of them have just come out and thrown strikes, and that's what we love. The efficient, quick innings are huge. I think what it does is it gives a boost to our guys. You know, we've had a number of guys make excellent starts for us over the course of the year, but to add those two at this time of year is a nice boost for us with their pedigree.”
While their professionalism was highlighted by Vogt, Guardians catcher Austin Hedges pointed towards another added benefit to them in the clubhouse: their knowledge and leadership.
“Obviously leading by example,” Hedges said about what Cobb and Boyd can do for the team. “The first thing, watching them go out and pitch and execute pitches. It's great for our young guys to watch them and learn from them. But the other thing is, they've been so vocal with the other pitchers, it's been so awesome.”
Hedges continued, “We haven't had a real [veteran] in the starting staff this year to help teach some of the young guys, and the conversation that they're having in between starts has been so cool. Just watching some of our young guys grow up a little bit, listening and learning, it's so valuable, not just for this year, but for guys' careers moving forward.”
For the Guardians, the wiley veteran duo not only could affect the club down the stretch, but for years to come.
What's Next?
The Guardians will travel to Milwaukee to play against the Brewers on Friday at 8:10 PM. Right-hander Gavin Williams (2-4, 4.38) will take the mound for the Guardians. Former Guardians starter Aaron Civale will be on the bump for the Brewers.