By: Natalie Turk

After three years in the minors Nick Sandlin has found his way to the majors. The Tribe’s 2018 67th draft pick will be on the Indians roster for the Chicago White Sox series Friday.

Sandlin is a product of The University of Southern Mississippi baseball organization. The right-hander held a leading career 1.70 ERA for the University. USM’s head coach, Scott Berry, stated “he’s probably the best I’ve ever had” during a press conference when Sandlin signed with the Indians. 

Berry also spoke fondly of Sadlin’s demeanor both on and off the field. He wasn’t the only one to do so. Toby Barker, Mayor of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, tweeted this in 2018 – “Last year 4 Southern Miss baseball players had a fender bender while going to vote for Mayor. When my staff learned Nick was in the car, our pitcher’s well-being became more important than the election. Congrats to the best pitcher to ever take the mound for Southern Miss Baseball.”

During his Junior year, Sandlin won the Ferriss trophy award, the USA pitcher of the year award, as well as the National pitcher of the year courtesy of Perfect Game and Rawlings. 

In 2019 Sandlin had forearm surgery and returned to Cleveland’s alternate site in 2020. He did not pitch in an official game that season, but was a non-roster invitee to the Indians’ spring training this year. 

Sandlin was impressive in Goodyear, Arizona. In his spring training debut, he pitched a scoreless 9th inning fanning two batters. His fastball topped out at 96 mph. Sandlin showed control coming into a game in the Cactus League where the bases were loaded. He was able to strike out both batters he faced to end the inning. 

Sandlin was advised on March 20 that he did not make the Indians’ starting day roster. However, he was kept at camp for developmental purposes. His stat line for spring training was 3.2 IP 2H 0R 0ER 3BB 8SO 0.00 ERA.

The addition of Sandlin will give the Tribe more weapons in the bullpen. Logan Allen was optioned to the alternate site on Wednesday. Allen’s departure will leave a hole in the rotation. Cal Quantrill, who had battled Allen for the spot in spring training, may be the likely replacement. Southpaw, Sam Hentges, is also a possibility. If Quantrill is brought into the rotation, Hentges and Sandlin will provide solid bullpen relief.

With the uncertainty surrounding the open spot left by Carlos Carrasco, filling it may become very interesting. As the season progresses, Hentges or Sandlin could find themselves in that role. One thing is certain, the Tribe has solid pitching depth and it’s really anyone’s game down the stretch.