Guardians rookie pitcher Parker Messick ranks among league leaders in fastball performance

Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Parker Messick is emerging as a top contender for American League Rookie of the Year and Cy Young honors this season. Metrics from Baseball Savant and Statcast support claims from catcher Austin Hedges that Messick’s four-seam fastball is among the most effective pitches in Major League Baseball. The rookie enters the final month of the regular season with a 2.46 ERA and 161 strikeouts across 161 innings pitched. While competing for individual awards, he serves as a cornerstone of the Cleveland rotation alongside Gavin Williams. Messick has used his high-velocity, movement-heavy fastball to work out of jams and maintain his role as a key contributor for the team. His performance has consistently kept him in the conversation for top pitching accolades as the club nears the end of the season.

• 10:15 AMYahoo Sports — Guardians rookie Parker Messick's fastball ranks among best in MLB