Justin Garza shines in MLB debut after impressing at CSU Fullerton, Triple-A
FULLERTON, Calif. (BVM) – When the Cleveland Indians selected the contract of Justin Garza on June 24, the right-handed pitcher became the 70th Cal State Fullerton Titan to reach Major League Baseball.
Some moves for those keeping track:
+ Selected the contract of RHP Justin Garza from Triple-A Columbus
+ Activated C Austin Hedges off the 7-Day Concussion Injured List
– Placed RHP Aaron Civale on the 10-Day Injured List
– Designated C Ryan Lavarnway for assignment pic.twitter.com/R1DV2AgrMk— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) June 24, 2021
Garza was called up from Triple-A Columbus where he posted a 1-0 record and a save to go along with an impressive 0.42 ERA across 21.1 innings pitched. His 0.80 WHIP and 28 strikeouts were enough for the Indians to help make Garza’s MLB debut happen.
In his first taste of the big leagues, Garza allowed a run on just one hit and struck out three batters over 2.2 innings during an 8-2 loss to Minnesota on June 27. The righthander has seen action in two games since, earning a hold against the Astros on June 1 before striking out one in 1.2 innings of scoreless ball in Tampa Bay on June 5.
The former Cal State Fullerton standout became the fourth Titan in program history to toss a no-hitter in 2014 and the first since Kirk Saarloos in 2001. Garza finished his freshman season in 2013 as one of the most dominant pitchers in the country, posting a flawless 12-0 record on his way to a myriad of national awards. He earned ABCA Rawlings All-American (second team), Baseball America All-American (second team), Louisville Slugger All-American (second team) honors and much more.
The 27-year-old Garza will likely continue to see relief action initially before hopefully stepping into a more expanded role if he continues to log good outings.
