Jeremy

Guthrie

Guthrie is 2-5 with a 6.79 ERA since his promotion to Buffalo. He’s one of the best pitching prospects in the minors but isn’t scheduled to see any time in the majors this season.

He has had a mediocre season at Double-A Akron as a starter (8-8 with a 4.28 ERA) despite a 92-96 MPH fastball and a solid breaking pitch, due in part to his lack of pitching savvy. Since they gave him so much money two years ago, the Indians are hoping that Guthrie will eventually thrive as a closer. Still, the team does have better relief prospects.

Guthrie pitched five scoreless innings for Double-A Akron last night, but walked four vs. only one strikeout. With Jason Phillips being called up to the majors, there is a rotation spot open at Buffalo.

Guthrie is Cleveland’s top pitching prospect, but don’t get excited about seeing him in Cleveland anytime soon. GM Mark Shapiro says that won’t happen until 2004. At Akron, Guthrie went 6-2 with a 1.44 ERA. Opponents batted only .196 against him. Shapiro admits that a similar stat line at Buffalo could force his hand. Guthrie is expected to challenge for a rotation spot next spring.

Guthrie was 1-2 with a 7.71 ERA and had walked 18 batters in 19 1/3 innings. “Rather than just reach back and throw, mechanically he needs to be more sound in order to do the things he needs to do here,” Buffalo manager Marty Brown said. “It’s not a question of arm strength or velocity as much as it’s a question of command.” If Guthrie can turn it around soon, the Indians won’t leave him in Double-A for long.

A decent job of eating up innings at least. Since he’ll be useless the next few days, Guthrie figures to return to the minors tomorrow.

In his one day with the club, Guthrie pitched six innings in relief of Scott Elarton last night and allowed four runs.

Guthrie wasn’t involved in the decision after giving up four runs in 4 2/3 innings in his start against the Royals last night. The Indians shouldn’t be looking to give him any additional starts.

Guthrie is starting the second game of Saturday’s doubleheader. He’ll probably return to Triple-A before Sunday’s game.

Guthrie has a 3.25 ERA as a starter in Triple-A, but he hasn’t experienced any success in the majors. He’ll probably return to Buffalo after making the start.