Guardians Assign Doug Nikhazy for Designation
The Cleveland Guardians have made significant roster moves, including the designation of left-hander Doug Nikhazy for assignment. This change follows the addition of Kolby Allard to their 40-man roster. The Guardians opted to send right-hander Colin Holderman down to Triple-A Columbus to create space for Allard.
Kolby Allard’s Performance
Kolby Allard, 28, had a fluctuating presence on the Guardians’ roster last season. He appeared in 33 games, making two starts while pitching a total of 65 innings. Allard posted an impressive earned run average (ERA) of 2.63, although some statistics suggest this could be misleading.
Key Statistics
- ERA: 2.63
- Innings Pitched: 65
- Strikeout Rate: 15.8%
- Walk Rate: 5.3%
- Ground Ball Rate: 38%
- SIERA: 4.41
Despite a solid ERA, Allard’s 79.2% strand rate and low fly ball home run rate suggest he was aided by favorable circumstances. After a tough season, the Guardians re-signed Allard to a minor league contract, likely in preparation for potential bullpen needs.
Rotation Concerns
The Guardians find themselves facing a challenging schedule against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Manager Stephen Vogt has voiced concerns about starting pitcher Tanner Bibee, who left his Opening Day start early due to shoulder inflammation. Bibee’s status may affect the team’s pitching strategy moving forward.
Upcoming Starts
- Parker Messick – First game against the Dodgers
- Tanner Bibee – Possible start in the second game
- Gavin Williams – Scheduled for the third game
If any of these pitchers struggle, Allard could provide much-needed innings to protect the bullpen.
Doug Nikhazy’s Situation
Doug Nikhazy is now in the position of being designated for assignment. The left-hander was a second-round pick in the 2021 MLB Draft and recorded a 3.90 ERA over 328 innings in the minor leagues. His performance, however, declined in 2025, where he had a 5.02 ERA with a concerning walk rate of 11.1%.
Career Highlights
- Drafted: 2021 (Second round)
- Minor League Innings: 328 (2022-2024)
- Minor League Strikeout Rate: 26.8%
- Major League Debut: Allowed 6 earned runs in 4 innings
Nikhazy’s recent struggles led to his designation, putting him on waivers for potential trade interest. While he struggles, he remains optionable for two more seasons, which may appeal to teams seeking additional depth.
Despite his rocky 2025 season, Nikhazy was still considered a valuable prospect, ranked as the Guardians’ #28 prospect by Baseball America. His future remains uncertain as the waiver process unfolds over the coming days.
