CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) - Over five years after his transition from the outfield to the pitcher's mound, Anthony Gose picked up his first career victory during the Cleveland Guardians' 2-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox in the second of two Wednesday games.
Gose entered the game in the fifth inning to relieve starter Triston McKenzie, and settled down the Sox roster by striking out two batters with a runner on second to end a fifth inning that saw Cleveland's lead cut to 2-1. The left-hander would end his 1.2 innings with no hits or runs allowed, and four strikeouts.
"It's completely different," said Gose when asked about handling pressure situations on the mound compared to the batter's box. "I think it's harder to do it on this side than it is as a hitter, for me at least. There's only one way to get somebody out, and that's [to] throw the ball to the plate. Obviously, it hasn't been the easiest thing, but I've [gotten] a little more confidence."
Gose has worked his way back to the majors since his transition from an outfielder to a pitcher following the 2016 season, while Gose was with the Detroit Tigers. Designated for assignment by Detroit the following January, the lefty worked his way through the minor leagues and found himself at Cleveland's spring camp in 2018. However, it would take time before Gose made his major league return in September 2021, appearing in six games for Cleveland that season.
"I've had the experience last year, winter ball, and had more confidence coming in, and more confidence as the time has gone," Gose added after Wednesday's contest.
When asked what it meant for manager Terry Francona to put him into a tight 5th inning situation, "It means a lot. Just to be here means a lot, getting in games."
Despite being 31 years old and having pro level experience as far back as 2012, Gose even laughed about his feeling like one of the Guardians' young guns on the pitching staff.
"I feel like I'm just as young as everyone else, because I haven't been doing it. We pretty much turn to [34-year-old Bryan] Shaw for anything."
Funny enough, both Gose and Shaw were selected in the 2008 MLB Draft.
A day's work
Gose was not the only Guardians player with a special "first" on Wednesday. Infielder Gabriel Arias made his major league debut for Cleveland as the "29th man" as a call-up from Triple-A Columbus.
In the two games played Wednesday, the Venezuela native went 1-for-8 with a single, which he picked up in the nightcap.
"Things changed dramatically," Arias said via a translator when asked of the difference between the first and second games. "The first one was a little more anxious, a little more nervous, but the second just felt more natural."
Arias also stated that the ball he hit for his first career base knock will be going to his grandfather.
Arias entered the 2022 season rated as the third-best prospect in the Guardians system (73rd-best prospect overall) according to MLB Pipeline. During his time in Columbus this spring, Arias has hit .278 (10-for-36) with four doubles, a home run, and six RBIs over nine games.
Filling the gaps
While Gose and Arias were among those picking up for the Guardians on Wednesday staff, the team also lost a few key roster pieces. Cleveland starter Cal Quantrill was one of three players placed on the injured list ahead of Wednesday's home doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox.
Francona told reporters prior to Wednesday's opening game that Quantrill, infielder Owen Miller, and relief pitcher Anthony Castro tested positive for COVID-19 and have been placed in protocols.
"They all feel fine. I guess that's good, but it's frustrating. I think our medical people are trying to figure out how we can help them along and still follow the protocols."
Francona said it was revealed on Tuesday afternoon - prior to Guardians' first game against the White Sox - that the three players tested positive.
"We've done and we're doing the contact tracing...unfortunately, in a clubhouse, there's going to be a ton of close contacts," Francona added. "I don't know that we're out of the woods yet. I hope we are, but I don't know if that's going to be the case."
The COVID IL does not include a minimum of 10 or 15 days as enforced for pitchers (15) or position players (10), respectively, under rules for the 2022 season.
