The Cleveland Guardians had a spot in the rotation open, and were trying to determine the best player to fill such a role for their Wednesday afternoon game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
It was reported earlier in the week that top left-handed pitching prospect Parker Messick was set to get the call-up on Wednesday and was going to make his debut in the Major Leagues as the Guardians’ starting pitcher.
A little before game time, the Guardians officially announced that Messick was getting the call-up, and that reliever Carlos Hernandez, who’s bounced around baseball this season, was being designated for assignment.
Parker Messick Is Here
The Guardians have seen some changes come to their organization recently, as the team is getting younger and looking to the future. While they can still fight for a wild-card spot in 2025, the most likely case is that they miss the postseason.
Fortunately, looking ahead, the Guardians have a lot of exciting young prospects. Messick, the left-hander, has been solid in the minor leagues this season and is well deserving of a chance in the Majors.
Welcome to The Show, Parker!
Happy you’re here!#GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/YrF7x9HCNa
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) August 20, 2025
In 20 starts at Triple-A, Messick has a 3.47 ERA, a 5-6 record, 119 strikeouts, and 42 walks in 98.2 innings pitched. His incredible strikeout numbers are enticing and will be something to watch for during his MLB debut against a strong Diamondbacks offense.
Messick is the Guardians 12th-ranked prospect by MLB Pipeline. The former second-round draft pick from the 2022 MLB Draft, Messick, has spent the last three years in the minor leagues, where he has had a cumulative 3.33 ERA in 354 innings pitched.
MORE: Guardians exec breaks silence on Triston McKenzie’s return to Triple-A
Now, at 24 years old, Messick is set to make his MLB debut, as the Guardians officially announce he’s been called up to the Major Leagues.
It’s an exciting call-up for the Guardians amid a frustrating season. With C.J. Kafus also recently called up, the Guardians are getting to see some of their young prospects make their debuts to close out the 2025 season.
Messick’s debut isn’t an easy matchup, but it will be one to watch, as the left-hander faces a potent Diamondbacks offense with the series win on the line.
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