5 Cleveland Indians whose stock is up after first 20 games of 2021

4. Cleveland Indians RP Sam Hentges

He’s 6-foot-5 and throws the ball in the upper 90s. What’s not to like?

Hentges made his debut at home against the Chicago White Sox when the Tribe was already being blown out. He struck out the side, but not before being taken deep by reigning MVP Jose Abreu.

He went an 1.2 innings against the Yankees in the series finale and struck out one while holding New York scoreless.

Hentges was the first man out of the bullpen in the victory, replacing Triston McKenzie in the top of the fifth. With the Tribe leading 4-3, he surrendered a lead-off single to Aaron Judge, but then got Rougned Odor to pop out, Gleyber Torres to ground out and then fanned Gio Urshela to end the inning.

Hentges may still one day find himself in the starting rotation, but for now, he’s certainly an asset to a bullpen that’s been terrific to this point.