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What to Expect from Guardians Pitcher Doug Nikhazy

Originally posted on New Baseball Media
By Chris Studley | Last updated Apr 27, 2025 12:39 PM ET

It’s been a turbulant ride for Guardians pitching prospect Doug Nikhazy, a former top college prospect who had his walk problems both in college and the Minors. However, his stuff got him a spot on the team’s 40-man roster and a shot at the MLB level. Nikhazy will make his MLB debut on April 26.

A Look at Nikhazy

Four years ago, former Ole Miss star Doug Nikhazy was getting Day 1 buzz after a standout career with the Rebels. Nikhazy struck out 86 in a very good freshman season back in 2019, then pitched well in the shortened 2020 campaign.

When college play resumed in 2021, Nikhazy was a strikeout machine with the Rebels. The left-hander struck out 142 batters during the 2021 season, fifth-most among Division I pitchers. The only names ahead of him were former first-round picks Jack Leiter & Kumar Rocker (Vanderbilt), Reds starter Andrew Abbott (Virginia), and oft-injured Yankee prospect Brendan Beck (Stanford).

Walks, however, were a problem for Nikhazy at Ole Miss. He walked 31 over 92 frames that season and that would be a harbinger of things to come for Nikhazy, drafted in the second round by Cleveland in 2021.

The 25-year-old walked 79 over 102.1 IP between High-A and Double-A, then 73 more over 102 frames with Akron (AA) in 2023. However, the 2024 campaign was Nikhazy’s most complete season as a pro. The Guardians left-hander walked only 53 over 123.2 IP and limited batters to only 82 hits.

That helped Nikhazy earn himself a spot on Cleveland’s 40-man roster last December. He struck out 22 over 18.1 IP in Triple-A before the promotion.

Nikhazy is on the shorter end of starters at 6’0”. However, his fastball, despite sitting in the low-90s and as low as 88-89 MPH, has life and carry (16.8” IVB in 2025) and he showed ability to spot it.

Doug Nikhazy Pitch Movement 2025 Via New Baseball Media

Aside from that pitch, Nikhazy, who throws from a high 3/4” arm slot, will throw in a changeup with roughly 5-8 MPH separation from the changeup, a good slider that he’ll use either against lefties or to backfoot right-handers, as well as a curveball and sweeper.

Nikhazy’s slider had a 34.3% Whiff% in 2025 this far.

The Guardians will promote Doug Nikhazy to start for Cleveland on April 26.

Analysis

Nikhazy will pitch the second game of the Red Sox/Guardians doubleheader on April 26, necessitated thanks to a rainout on the 25th. Since Nikhazy will be the 27th man, it won’t mean a mandatory 15-day stint back in the Minors — but don’t expect him to stick in the Guardians’ rotation for now.

Cleveland’s rotation has, by and large, been inconsistent but servicable. Four of their five starters have BB/9 rates north of 4.00, with the exception of Ben Lively. However, Logan Allen and Gavin Williams have munched innings. Tanner Bibee, meanwhile, won’t be going anywhere despite giving up a MLB-high eight home runs thus far.

For Nikhazy, the goal will be to deliver quality innings for the Guardians now and for the long-term, impress to get another shot down the road.

He was a former first-round pick and will be given chances to succeed, especially when taking into account what he did in the Minors last season.

However, with his stuff, Nikhazy has a high floor, either as a starter or, if the rotation doesn’t work out, as a left-handed reliever with multiple weapons to work with.

This article first appeared on New Baseball Media and was syndicated with permission.

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