Parker Messick
Breakdown
Performance
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April 6, 2026
Six Ks in five strong innings
Messick didn't factor into the decision Sunday against the Cubs, allowing one run on two hits and three walks in five innings. He struck out six.
Analysis
After firing six scoreless innings in his first start of the season versus the Dodgers, Messick kept his foot on the gas in his second appearance of the year. The southpaw induced 13 whiffs during the nightcap of Sunday's doubleheader, though he was a bit shaky with his control while tossing just 51 of his 91 pitches for strikes. Messick still has a strong 11:3 K:BB through his first 11 frames of 2026, but another tough test in Atlanta awaits him in his next scheduled outing.
April 5, 2026
Scheduled for second game Sunday
Messick will pitch the second game of Sunday's doubleheader against the Cubs, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.
Analysis
The Guardians and Cubs were rained out Saturday, forcing the two teams to double up Sunday. Saturday's scheduled starter, Slade Cecconi, will work the first game of the twin bill.
March 31, 2026
Hands Dodgers first loss
Messick (1-0) earned the win over the Dodgers on Monday, allowing five hits and striking out five batters over six scoreless innings.
Analysis
Messick had to earn his spot in Cleveland's rotation with a strong spring, and he looked like an ace against the defending champs. The left-hander gave up just one extra-base hit (a Miguel Rojas double) and threw 51 strikes among his efficient 76 pitches. Messick had an intriguing first big-league stint with a 2.72 ERA and 8.6 K/9 over seven regular-season starts last year, and he'll probably be a popular waiver-wire pickup (in leagues in which he's unrostered) following Monday's standout outing. He'll look to build more momentum in his next start, which is tentatively slated to take place at home against the Cubs.
