Guardians Select Kolby Allard for Doubleheader Against Red Sox

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Guardians announced Saturday that they have selected the contract of left-hander Kolby Allard from Triple-A Columbus. This move comes as the team prepares for a day-night doubleheader against the Boston Red Sox at Progressive Field.

In addition to bringing up Allard, the Guardians moved left-hander Erik Sabrowski to the 60-day injured list and optioned right-hander Zak Kent to Columbus. This allows Allard to take Sabrowski’s spot on the 40-man roster.

Allard has had an up-and-down career in Major League Baseball, posting a 5.99 ERA over his seven-year career with Texas, Atlanta, and Philadelphia. He signed a minor league deal with the Guardians in February after being waived by the Phillies. He had a 4.86 ERA in four starts at Columbus this season.

Manager Stephen Vogt expressed enthusiasm about Allard’s selection, citing his experience in various pitching roles during spring training. “I thought he had an unbelievable spring,” said Vogt. “He brings us someone who has experience starting and pitching in length and short roles in the bullpen.”

Allard is stepping into a busy schedule for the Guardians, who will play 13 games in the next 12 days. They also called up Doug Nikhazy as the 27th man for today’s doubleheader, with Nikhazy set to start the second game.

Nikhazy, a second-round pick in the 2021 draft, has made an impression with a 3.44 ERA in four starts for Columbus this season. “He’s not afraid. He comes right after you and knows how to pitch,” Vogt said. “We knew at some point he was going to come up to help us in the rotation … and here you go.”

As the Guardians adjust their pitching roster, it remains unclear how long Allard will stay with the team. Since he is out of minor league options, releasing him back to the minors would require designating him for assignment, giving him the option to become a free agent.