The Cleveland Guardians' starting pitching depth looks much thinner after Doug Nikhazy was claimed by the Chicago White Sox.
The Cleveland Guardians came into 2026 with more starting pitchers than they knew what to do with.
After closing out the 2025 season with a six-man rotation, the Guardians optioned Logan Allen to Triple-A to start the season to pave the way for the five-man rotation of Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams, Joey Cantillo, Slade Cecconi, and Parker Messick.
Even with how strong Cleveland’s pitching depth appeared, a team can never be too comfortable, and that depth took a hit on Monday.
The Chicago White Sox claimed LHP Doug Nikhazy off waivers from the Guardians, ending the former 2021 second-round pick’s tenure with Cleveland.
The Guardians took a chance on losing out on keeping Nikhazy in the organization when they designated him for assignment last Monday to make room on the 40-man roster for LHP Kolby Allard ahead of their series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Nikhazy has always been an intriguing pitcher. He’s logged solid numbers in the Minors, with a career 4.13 ERA and a 1.53 WHIP. However, he gave up six earned runs in 4.4 innings at the big-league level in 2025.
Still, he’s a starting-caliber pitcher, who could make a spot start need be, and without Nikhazy as an option and the other six starters Cleveland ended 2025 with, the Guardians don’t have much more pitching depth in the Minors.
Apr 26, 2025; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Doug Nikhazy (65) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn ImagesThe two other prospects who were in position to potentially join the rotation if the Guardians needed it were Austin Peterson and Yorman Gomez. Cleveland even added both of them to the 40-man roster during the offseason to protect them from the Rule 5 Draft.
However, both of them are currently sidelined with injuries, complicating any potential call-up.
Peterson was placed on the injured list on February 28th with a biceps strain, with an initial recovery timeline of six to eight weeks. Gomez was just placed on the injured list with a right shoulder strain.
In the doomsday scenario where the Guardians lose two starters, Cleveland doesn’t have many options left.
Kolby Allard? Pedro Avila? Khal Stephen could be in the mix later on in the year since he’s still at Triple-A, but not right now.
Hopefully, this isn’t an issue the Guardians ever run into. But with Nikhazy’s departure, it’s hard not to look across the organization and be a little concerned about the team’s starting depth.
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