Guardians' Parker Messick makes MLB history in second career start

Guardians' Parker Messick makes MLB history in second career start originally appeared on The Sporting News

The Cleveland Guardians called up left-handed pitcher Parker Messick from Triple-A Columbus a week ago, and he's already made MLB history.

Messick made his major league debut for Cleveland on August 20, and threw 6.2 innings of one-run baseball. The 24-year-old pitcher nearly made it through the seventh inning and struck out six batters.

Messick allowed seven hits and a walk in his debut, but was able to manage the traffic on the bases and hold the Arizona Diamondbacks to just a single run. The young Guardians' pitcher made his second start on Tuesday night, and topped his major league debut with another gem.

Messick Pitches Seven Shutout Innings

In his second MLB start, Messick threw seven shutout innings, and gave up just four hits to go with six strikeouts.

"He's not big-eyed with anything," Vogt said pregame Tuesday (h/t MLB.com). "He respects the Major Leagues. He knows it's going to be difficult, but he seems to just have a calming presence, but a tenacity as well.

"I just love the way he gets down the mound. I like the way he just attacks the hitters. He's moving fast. He's coming at you and is not afraid of the strike zone."

Messick's start to his MLB career has been historically impressive. The Guardians' young pitcher became the second pitcher ever to begin his career with consecutive outings of at least six strikeouts, and one or fewer runs allowed and walks allowed.

Messick is the first pitcher to achieve the feat since Joe Musgrove, who did so in 2016.

PARKER MESSICK DOES IT AGAIN!

Back-to-back ELITE starts to launch his big league career! pic.twitter.com/XHFZwGbZBY

— Pitch Profiler (@pitchprofiler) August 27, 2025

"He's got everything he needs," Guardians' catcher Bo Naylor said (h/t MLB.com). "He goes out there with the right head on his shoulders, the right mentality, not letting any moment get too big, and he just goes out there and throws strikes, pounds the zone.

"[He] knows that when he has the opportunity to expand, he takes advantage of it. His pitches feel so elite. He was awesome tonight."

Messick's seven shutout innings led the Guardians to a 3-0 win over the Tampa Bay Rays. Not only did the young pitcher make MLB history with his incredible outing, but he recorded his first major league win.

Parker Messick, 94mph Paint. 🖌️🎨 pic.twitter.com/5phkxjj5Bz

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 26, 2025

The Guardians currently sit five games back in the American League wild card race and need every win they can get. Tuesday's win came at the hands of Messick, and against a team that sits right behind them in the AL wild card race.

"It's a special moment, and I'm super thankful," Messick said of recording his first win (h/t MLB.com).