Bryan Shaw has returned to the Cleveland Indians in 2021 and not all fans are thrilled.
The veteran reliever had a polarizing tenure with the team from 2013-2017 and was clearly a favorite of Terry Francona.
That may end up being true once again even though Shaw is a non-roster player at spring training.
He has to win a job and what he did Sunday will only help his cause.
Shaw picked up the victory as the Indians took down the Cincinnati Reds by a final score of 5-1.
Another double play turned here in the 6th!
Bryan Shaw turns in a scoreless inning, great velocity in the mid-90’s & the offense is back to work
— Jensen Lewis (@JLEWFifty) February 28, 2021
Shaw’s Solid Debut
Shaw had one inning of work Sunday, walking one batter and striking out another.
He was also one of six Indians pitchers to not allow a run on the day, but he was the only one who goes home with the win on his record.
Pitcher wins are obviously not an important stat.
That is even more true when talking about exhibition baseball.
But Shaw having positive outings is going to go a long way in the eyes of Francona and the front office.
This is a team with a reputation for opening the season with veteran players who make the team in camp.
Keeping younger talent in the minors saves service time and also allows them to keep developing and be called up when they are truly ready.
Shaw could even be shaky and still make the team because March is a month when pitchers are working on their pitches.
Actual situational pitching is not always the focus, so Shaw getting into the mid-90s is major news.
A Good Overall Debut
Shaw took home the win in a great debut for the Indians.
New arrival Andres Gimenez had two hits and also drove in a run.
Our first run of the season, shot on iPhone.#CLESpring pic.twitter.com/Icu1y52Iwi
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) February 28, 2021
Cal Quantrill provided two scoreless innings as the starter.
Sam Hentges closed the door in the ninth with two strikeouts.
There were plenty of positives and a win helps hide the fact the team went 2-14 with runners in scoring position.
But once again, it is way too early to worry about that.
The bullpen competition will continue on throughout March and the initial results were positive.
Heath Hembree, who is also competing with Shaw for a spot, did walk three batters but managed to not allow a run in his one inning of work.
Monday’s game will see Shane Bieber take the mound.
He is the most important pitcher of all and there won’t be much reading into what he does.
Indians fans already know he is a perennial Cy Young contender after winning the award last year.
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