CBN POW, Week IX: Erik Sabrowski
June 8, 2023
By George Farelli
Canadian Baseball Network
It was only one inning.
Yet, for Erik Sabrowski his appearance for the Akron Rubber Ducks on June 2 against the Hartford Yard Goats was definitely a very important milestone.
It was his first actual game competition in affiliated ball since July 24, 2021. Back then, he was active with Ft. Wayne TinCaps, the San Diego Padres’ affiliate in the Single A Midwest League.
Sabrowski (Edmonton, Alta.) had a positive impact in Akron’s 4-3 win but to fully grasp the significance of this, you would have to go back to 2018 when he was selected in the 14th round by San Diego.
His career was interrupted for the first time soon after when he sustained an injury and underwent Tommy John surgery before he had even pitched in one pro game.
In the nearly five years which have elapsed since his draft day, he has undergone two surgeries — the first in 2018 and a second in 2021 — enduring the rigorous rehab and long recovery process in each case.
Sabrowski has dealt with the cancellation of the 2020 minor league season due to the COVID pandemic, plus he was faced with being left unprotected by the Padres, and subsequently selected in the 2022 Rule V minor-league draft by the Cleveland Guardians. During this entire period, his active career consisted of only eight game appearances with Ft. Wayne in 2021, ... up until this week.
Obviously, any one of these events could have easily derailed his desire for a pro baseball career. Instead, it clearly demonstrates a commitment and determination to overcome any obstacles which crossed his path. Hopefully he will be injury-free in the future, which should allow him to fulfill his obvious potential and make a serious attempt at achieving his ultimate goal to pitch at the big-league level.
LHP Erik Sabrowski (Edmonton, AB) - Activated by Cleveland Guardians
Name Class Team GM WIN SAVE ERA INN K WHIP
Erik Sabrowski AA Akron 1 - - 0.00 1.0 2 .000
Missed highlight from Week VIII _ Matt Lloyd (Calgary, Alta.) - Player of the Week, IND American Association
Lloyd enjoyed a successful and rather unique three-year career with NCAA University of Indiana Hoosiers, and Hall of Famer Scott Rolen. It was unique in that he put up some excellent numbers both as a hitter and as a relief pitcher.
As a hitter, his career batting average was .269, he clubbed 37 homers and had 146 RBIs, plus as a pitcher he appeared in 49 games, won seven, lost five, saving 21 games and pitching to a 2.12 ERA.
In 2019, the then 23-year-old was selected in the 15th round of the draft by Cincinnati Reds and scout Bill Byckowski (Erin, Ont.) He began his pro career with the Dayton Dragons in the Single A Midwest League. After struggling somewhat with mixed results in following two-and-a-half years, which included a couple of short stints at the Double A level, he was released by the Reds in March of 2023.
Taking advantage of a second opportunity, he soon signed as a free agent with the Sioux City Explorers of the IND American Association and, focused only on the offensive side of the game.
He had a week which can best be described as “off the charts.” In six games he had 22 at-bats and produced 12 base hits, eight runs scored, two homers and 10 RBIs with a .545 batting average. Of course, maintaining this level of production is not realistic, however good numbers and a consistent level of contribution do not go unnoticed.
Lloyd is well aware it’s the best path towards another chance in the future with a big-league organization.
Best Offensive Performances
Name Class Team AB RUNS HITS HR RBI AVG
Damiano Palmegiani AA New Hampshire 20 4 9 1 4 .450
Brandon Hernandez A Palm Beach 13 5 5 - 3 .385
Edouard Julien AAA St. Paul 11 1 4 1 7 .364
Matt Coutney A Inland Empire 24 6 8 1 4 .333
Riley Jepson IND Great Falls 27 5 10 1 9 .370
Caleb Feuerstake IND Trois Rivieres 14 4 5 - 2 .357
Matt Lloyd IND Sioux City 28 9 9 4 10 .321
T.J. Bennett IND Kane County 28 4 9 3 7 .321
Taylor Wright IND Ottawa 22 4 7 - 2 .318
Jacob Robson IND Kansas City 10 5 3 - - .300
(Minimum 10 ABs)
Best Pitching Performances
Name Class Team GM WIN SAVE ERA INN K WHIP
Noah Skirrow AAA Lehigh Valley 1 1 - 5.19 5.2 2 1.730
Skirrow’s best attribute this season has been his level of consistency and, based on his numbers to date, it seems his team can expect a competitive five innings in every start. This week the 24-year-old native of Cambridge, Ont., followed the script to a tee, in a 6-3 Lehigh Valley win over Scranton-Wilkes Barre Railriders. He pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing four base hits and three earned runs while striking out two, to earn his fifth win of the season.
His overall record to date with the Iron Pigs in 10 triple-A International League appearances, now stands at 5-1 with a 5.69 ERA. As well, his five wins so far, leads all Canadian pitchers currently
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Prrevious Players of the Week
Week I _ Edouard Julien (Ancienne-Lorette, Que.) triple-A St. Paul Saints (Twins)
Week II _ Cade Smith (Abbotsford, BC) double-A Akron RuberDucks (Guardians).
Week III _ Abraham Toro (Longuiel, Que.) triple-A Nashville Sounds (Brewers)
Week V _ Wesley Moore (Surrey, BC) class-A Clearwater Threshers (Phillies).
Week VI _ Matt Coutney (Wetaskiwin, Alta.) class-A Inland Empire (Angels).
Week VII _ Damiano Palmegiani (Surrey, BC) double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Jays)
Week IX _ Erik Sabrowski (Edmonton, Alta.) double-A Akron Rubber Ducks (Guardians)