A year ago, Casey Mize faced disappointment at Progressive Field, finding himself without a roster spot during the American League Division Series. Fast forward twelve months, and Mize’s circumstances have transformed dramatically. This time, he takes the mound for Detroit in Game 2 of the wild card series, ready for redemption in Cleveland.
The pain of last October left a deep mark on Mize, yet it also served as motivation. Determined to improve and never face such rejection again, he embraced the offseason with renewed resolve. Returning to the same ballpark, he marveled at how far he’s come.
“It fueled a lot of my off-season work,” Mize reflected. “To have this opportunity a year later in this place is pretty cool for me. It’s like seeing things come full circle.” His manager, A.J. Hinch, even teased about revisiting the bullpen spot from the previous year, albeit with a better outcome this time.
The Guardians, too, have evolved. Their determined style was evident when they handed Detroit five losses in six matchups over the past two weeks. It’s a testament to their unyielding spirit, something Mize is acutely aware of.
“They just know how to manufacture runs and don’t give up on an inning,” Mize noted. “It’s challenging because they can still do some damage with two outs.”
Facing the Guardians requires Mize to adapt his approach, keeping in mind their relentless patience and aggression at the plate. As he prepares for the pitching challenge, Hinch and Guardians manager Stephen Vogt engage in a tactical battle of their own, adjusting strategies in the dugout.
If Mize sought a preparation test, he found it recently in Boston, where the stakes mirrored a postseason atmosphere. He recalled, “It was the biggest game of my life at the time. It was a good litmus test for how I’d handle similar situations.”
In that game, Mize delivered a commendable performance with six-and-a-third innings, two earned runs, and eight strikeouts. While it wasn’t a win, it provided valuable insight into handling high-pressure scenarios.
Yet, among the Guardians stands José Ramírez, a formidable and consistent threat. Mize acknowledges Ramírez’s adeptness, noting, “He’s such a talented guy all around. You think of Cleveland, you think of José. It’s a tough challenge any time we get to play him.”
The matchup between Mize’s growth and Ramírez’s steadiness could determine the trajectory of Game 2 and possibly the series. As Mize prepares to take the mound, he understands that every decision and play holds weight. A shift in momentum could make all the difference, teetering the balance in this critical series.
For Mize, the irony remains — the same city and team that once symbolized setback now offer a stage for his potential triumph.