Guardians left-hander Sam Hentges will bear shoulder surgical procedure subsequent week, the group introduced. Dr. Neal ElAttrache will restore each the labrum and capsule in Hentges’ left shoulder, and the restoration interval is anticipated to be within the vary of 12 to 14 months. In all probability, the process will preserve Hentges out of motion not just for the steadiness of the 2024 season but in addition everything of the 2025 marketing campaign. Hentges has been out since July 10 with what was initially termed irritation in his left shoulder.
It’s an terrible blow for the Guardians and the 28-year-old Hentges alike. The previous fourth-round choose had a tough debut marketing campaign as a starter in 2021 however has thrived as a reliever throughout the previous three seasons. Relationship again to 2022, Hentges boasts a terrific 2.93 ERA with a 27.7% strikeout price, 7.5% stroll price, 58.1% grounder price and simply 0.52 HR/9. Metrics like FIP (2.66) and SIERA (2.93) really feel he’s been nearly as good or even perhaps higher than that extra rudimentary earned run common would point out.
As Hentges broke out as a high quality reliever, the Guardians more and more trusted him in higher-leverage spots. Former supervisor Terry Francona and (to a lesser extent) rookie skipper Stephen Vogt wound up trusting Hentges in a pivotal setup function to star nearer Emmanuel Clase. He’s picked up 32 holds and one save over the previous three years and been remarkably efficient whereas pitching in these pressure-packed spots; Hentges solely has one blown save in these 34 save conditions into which he’s been positioned.
Hentges and the Guardians agreed to a one-year, $1.1625MM deal this season in his first journey via the arbitration course of as a Tremendous Two participant. He’s controllable for one more three seasons however can be owed a small increase in arbitration subsequent yr after pitching 23 2/3 innings of three.04 ERA ball and accumulating 9 holds this season. He’d then seemingly be owed that very same wage for the 2026 season. Since he may be managed via 2027, it’s seemingly the Guards will nonetheless tender him a contract and be content material to pay him round $3MM mixed for the 2025-26 seasons though he received’t pitch within the former.
