In a storybook MLB debut, Parker Messick pitched 6.2 innings only allowing one run (on a fluky blooper) while striking out six. The Guardians offense unfortunately failed him today, don’t worry he’ll get used to it. This Diamondbacks offense is among the best in the league and Messick was able to suppress them very well, heres what I saw that allowed him to deliver a gem on his debut.
First and most importantly, he was himself out there. Carl Willis spoke in an interview with Andre Knott about how the team just wanted Messick (and other young pitchers) to be themselves and pitch the way that got them to the major leagues. Messick got this message loud and clear as he almost perfectly executed his lethal fastball/changeup combo to six and two-thirds of high quality pitching. Along with his fastball/changeup combo, he mixed in a slider, curveball, and sinker. Each of those three were thrown about 10 times and work well as mix ins.
I believe he is able to fool hitters with his deceptive release, allowing his lack of raw power/stuff to play at a high level. As you watch Messick you might think he is a bit of a side-armer as he gets very low and turns his shoulders before his release. However, he actually has a very high arm slot at almost 60 degrees above straight side-arm. That deceptive release which tricks batters into expecting a pitch from a lower arm slot is really interesting. His high arm angle also earns him a lot of backspin and ride on his fastball. Then his changeup drops off the same plane with a difference of nearly 14 inches in vertical break.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – AUGUST 20: Starting pitcher Parker Messick #77 of the Cleveland Guardians walks to the dugout after being removed during the seventh inning of the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on August 20, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) Getty Images
Messick utilized his great command all day today and pounded the zone with every pitch giving him a 60.2% zone% on the day. His only walk coming from the first batter he faced, and walking Ketel Marte is not the worst thing you can do if we are being honest.
Messick was essentially two different pitchers today depending on which side of the plate the batter was. Against righties he went with the fastball over 50% of the time, changeup 25% of the time, and curve 11% of the time with a few sliders in there. Against lefties he was around 45% sinkers and the same for sliders with a few changeups thrown in there. I like this approach from him and it shows a lot of maturity and discipline to attack hitters in this way. He didn’t throw a single fastball against lefties, and though I feel like his fastball should play well in same handed matchups, it obviously worked very well for him today.
Messick’s curveball and sinker are both sub-par pitch shapes but they complement his arsenal as mix in options. He showed great feel for his slider and changeup today, giving him an effective secondary against both sides of the plate.
I don’t think you could have watched that outing and not fallen in love with Parker Messick. The Guardians really have something with this kid.