The Guardians are promoting Nikhazy from Triple-A Columbus on Friday before they start their three games series versus the Red Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Nikhazy didn't make the cut for the major league club after he got off to a bad spring training in which he surrendered seven earned runs across 8.2 innings of work. Through four games with Triple-A Columbus to begin the season, he's posted a 3.44 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and a 22:7 K:BB in 18.1 innings. While he has been largely used as a starter through his MiLB career, he will be used out of the pen in Cleveland. A corresponding move is yet to be announced.

The Guardians optioned Nikhazy to Triple-A Columbus on Saturday, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nikhazy wasn't very effective this spring, giving up seven earned runs on five hits and six walks, though he impressively struck out 12 batters in 8.2 innings. He'll look to get back on track with Columbus, and he could be a candidate to debut at some point this year after posting a 2.87 ERA in Triple-A last season.

Nikhazy could make the Guardians bullpen out of spring training, Steve Stockmar of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nikhazy is already on the 40-man roster and has gotten off to a great start to Cactus League play, throwing four hitless innings with four strikeouts across two relief appearances. Pitching coach Carl Willis said Sunday that Nikhazy would make the club's bullpen, not the rotation, if he were to win a job. Nikhazy is a starter by trade and had a strong 2024 season, logging a 2.98 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and a 124:53 K:BB in 123.2 innings split between Double-A and Triple-A. He is working on improving his control and could be a multi-inning relief option early in the year if the club's starters aren't all ready to go five-plus innings consistently.