Nick Sandlin gave up a grand slam to the Blue Jays’ Dalton Varsho yesterday and was removed from the game before recording an out.
He’s the 12th pitcher in franchise history to give up a grand slam without recording an out. The others:
Latman and Barker were the only ones to do so as a starting pitcher. Latman and Shaw were the only ones to give up multiple home runs in the game.
Lilliquist (vs Detroit’s Lou Whitaker) and Shuey (vs Anaheim’s Tim Salmon) gave up walk-off grand slams.
Last night against the Blue Jays, all six pitchers used by the Guardians recorded either a win, hold or save.
It’s just the eighth time in franchise history the team used at least six pitchers and everyone recorded a decision.
Sam Hentges entered last night’s game with the Guardians leading 3-0, which means he recorded a hold despite the final score ending up at 11-0.
It’s the 11th time in franchise history someone has recorded a hold in a game that was ultimately won by double digits.
The others:
- Cam Hill, 13-0 win vs CIN in 2020
- Neil Ramirez, 15-3 win at OAK in 2018
- Mark Rzepczynski, 15-3 win at OAK in 2018
- Bryan Shaw, 13-3 win vs TOR in 2017
- Esmil Rogers, 15-4 win at KC in 2012
- Justin Speier, 12-1 win at KC in 2000
- Eric Plunk, 14-2 win vs BAL in 1996
- Paul Shuey, 14-2 win vs BAL in 1996
- Plunk, 15-5 win vs NYY in 1993
- Kevin Wickander, 15-5 win vs NYY in 1993
Bryan Shaw is the oldest pitcher to make his first career start for Cleveland since Doug Jones (also 34) in 1991.
Jones, an All-Star from 1988-90, was awful in 1991. So he was demoted to AAA, turned into a starter and returned in September.
Jones threw 8 2/3 innings against Milwaukee in his debut as a starter, picking up the win. Then he struck out 13 Tigers in 8 innings in his second outing.
He made 2 more starts, going 3-1 overall with a 3.77 ERA before he returned to closer duties in his final outing of the year.
He signed with Houston that offseason and returned to All-Star closer form.
