The Guardians are bringing back right-hander Nic Enright today. He’s stepping in for Hunter Gaddis, who is going on the bereavement list. If Enright gets to play, it will be his Major League debut.
Enright, 28, joined the Guardians when they drafted him in the 20th round of the 2019 draft. He started his career strong, allowing just one earned run in his first 18 innings while striking out 36.1% of batters. However, the 2020 minor league season was canceled, slowing his progress. By the end of 2021, he had made it to Double-A, though he faced challenges with a 4.31 ERA.
Things turned around for him in 2022. Enright posted a solid 2.88 ERA over 65 2/3 innings between Double-A and Triple-A, catching the Marlins’ eye in the Rule 5 draft. Tragically, shortly after being drafted, he was diagnosed with Hodgkins’ Lymphoma. Despite the illness, he kept pitching while undergoing treatment.
His journey wasn’t easy. After spending some time on rehab, he returned to the Guardians but struggled in 2023 with a 5.09 ERA. Still, he showed resilience. Last season, he excelled with a remarkable 1.06 ERA, although he only pitched 17 innings due to shoulder issues. This year, he’s bounced back with a 2.00 ERA at Triple-A, despite some concerns with his strikeout and walk rates.
Should Enright take the mound tonight, he’ll face a tough Tigers team, while the Guardians will miss Gaddis, who has been strong this season with a 1.41 ERA.
This story resonates beyond baseball. Enright’s journey, battling cancer and working through challenges, highlights the resilience of athletes in the face of adversity. His return to the majors serves as an inspiring reminder that hard work and determination can lead to new beginnings.
For more on the challenges athletes face, check out ESPN’s coverage.
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