Guardians call up Sabrowski
The Cleveland Guardians have called up left-hander Erik Sabrowski from the triple-A Columbus Clippers.
August 28, 2024
By Kevin Glew
Canadian Baseball Network
The Cleveland Guardians have called up left-hander Erik Sabrowski from the triple-A Columbus Clippers.
The 26-year-old Edmonton native had been overpowering at the double-A and triple-A levels in the Guardians’ organization this season, going a combined 8-3 with 79 strikeouts in 48 2/3 innings.
Sabrowski will become the fourth Canadian on the Guardians’ roster, joining catcher Bo Naylor (Mississauga, Ont.), first baseman Josh Naylor (Mississauga, Ont.) and reliever Cade Smith (Abbotsford, B.C.).
Born on October 31, 1997, Sabrowski honed his skills with the Edmonton Prospects Academy before embarking on a collegiate career. He was a two-way player for Cisco Junior College and Cloud County Community College before he was selected in the 14th round of the 2018 MLB draft by the San Diego Padres.
After receiving a $125,000 signing bonus, Sabrowski would focus on pitching in the Padres’ organization. Unfortunately, before he threw his first professional pitch in a game he was forced to undergo Tommy John surgery.
The COVID-19 pandemic further delayed his pro debut until 2021 when he posted a 2-0 record and a 1.86 ERA in eight appearances (three starts) with the High-A Fort Wayne TinCaps.
Following that season, he was selected in the Rule 5 draft by the Guardians. But he’d miss the entire 2022 campaign after undergoing his second Tommy John surgery. He returned midway through the 2023 season to go 4-0 with a 2.49 ERA in 20 relief appearances for the Guardians’ High-A Akron RubberDucks in 2023.
Sabrowski also had a strong showing with the Arizona Fall League’s Peoria Javelins last October, striking out 16 in 9 2/3 innings while surrendering just four hits.
The Guardians, who are tied with the Kansas City Royals for first place in the American League Central division, designated former Toronto Blue Jays outfielder turned left-handed pitcher Anthony Gose for assignment to make room for Sabrowski on the roster.
Sabrowski is set to become the third Alberta-born player to suit up in the big leagues this season, joining Chicago White Sox right-hander Michael Soroka (Calgary, Alta.) and Milwaukee Brewers lefty Rob Zastryzny (Edmonton, Alta.).