Guardians’ Gavin Williams Overcomes Changes and Challenges to Secure Game 1 Wild Card Start
Cleveland’s Gavin Williams: A Transformation Leading to Playoff Stardom
Cleveland, Ohio — Gavin Williams has become a beacon of resilience and adaptability in the world of baseball. This season, he has embraced change in his pitching approach, experimenting with his delivery and repertoire to achieve remarkable success. With his dedication and willingness to evolve, Williams has transformed from a struggling player to the Guardians’ Game 1 starter in the AL Wild Card Series against the Detroit Tigers.
Innovative Adjustments in Pitching Delivery
Williams, who stands an impressive 6 feet 6 inches and weighs 250 pounds, made significant adjustments to his pitching delivery this year. He has integrated a mix of new pitches while discarding others, showcasing his commitment to improving his game. Early in the season, conversations with Corey Kluber, a two-time Cy Young Award winner and Guardians’ pitching consultant, led him to try a technique called dry needling.
Although dry needling resembles acupuncture, Williams confronted a personal challenge: he has a fear of needles. Nonetheless, he followed Kluber’s advice, stating, “I really can’t look at it. I start sweating really, really bad.” With the support of Beth Mignano, the Guardians’ soft tissue therapist, Williams navigated this obstacle, employing needles to alleviate muscle pain and enhance his performance on the mound.
Outstanding Performance and Statistics
Williams’ hard work has paid off significantly. His transformation from a disappointing 2024 season, where he posted a 3-10 record with a 4.66 ERA, to a stellar 2025 season, has been stark. He concluded the regular season with a 12-5 record and an impressive 3.06 ERA over 31 starts. His stats include:
- 173 strikeouts in 167 and 2/3 innings
- 130 hits allowed
- A league-leading 83 walks
Excitement Builds for Wild Card Series
With Williams’ success this season, he has been named the starting pitcher for Game 1 against the Tigers’ Tarik Skubal, who has a record of 13-6 and a stellar ERA of 2.21. The best-of-three playoff series begins at 1:08 p.m. on Tuesday at Progressive Field. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt also confirmed that Tanner Bibee and Slade Cecconi will take the mound in Games 2 and 3 of the series.
Williams’ recent performances against the Tigers have been noteworthy. He faced them three times this season, achieving a remarkable record of 2-0 with a minuscule 1.06 ERA in those appearances. Notably, he pitched five scoreless innings in a 4-0 victory and struck out 12 batters in a subsequent matchup, showcasing his dominance.
Building Confidence and Crafting Pitches
Not only did Williams modify his existing pitches, but he also reintroduced a slider and added a sinker to his arsenal, resulting in a diverse pitch selection that now includes:
- Four-seam fastball
- Curveball
- Slider/Sweeper
- Cutter
- Sinker
According to pitching coach Carl Willis, the addition of these pitches has transformed Williams’ approach: “It just makes the swing path of a hitter a real tough adjustment to make.” Williams echoed this sentiment, stating, “It opened up the whole zone for me.” He emphasized that the changes, including adjustments to his delivery, have enhanced his ability to go deeper into games, despite initial frustrations during the adaptation process.
A Promising Future Ahead
The Guardians’ decision to draft Williams with their first-round pick in 2021 reflects their recognition of his potential from the start. His development this season has proven that he possesses not only the skills but also the mental fortitude required to excel at the highest level. Manager Vogt highlighted Williams’ evolution with enthusiasm, noting, “Gavin has been incredible. From the start of the year to now, he’s just been incredibly fun to watch.”
As Williams prepares to start his first playoff game, he acknowledges the significance of the moment: “I’m kind of star struck, just being able to start a playoff game,” he said. His determination, adaptability, and improved performance signal a bright future for both him and the Guardians as they advance in the postseason.
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