Gavin Williams DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Cleveland Guardians right-hander Gavin Williams will make the start in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series on Friday at Progressive Field against the New York Yankees. Williams made only 16 starts due to an elbow injury for the Guardians during the regular season and went 3-10 with a 4.86 ERA (3.67 FIP) and 1.37 WHIP with 79 strikeouts and 32 walks in 76 innings in his second big-league season, so he'll be a true wild card and a risky DFS option on Thursday against the Bombers in what will be his first start since Sept. 22. In his lone start against the Yankees in the Bronx on Aug. 22, Williams took the loss, allowing three earned runs on four hits (one homer) while walking four and striking out five in 4 1/3 innings of work. The 25-year-old was also worse at Progressive Field in 2024, sporting a 6.55 ERA and 1.69 WHIP in his seven starts.

Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Gavin Williams turned in a quality start in Thursday's tough-luck loss versus the division-rival Detroit Tigers. Williams tossed six frames and allowed six hits, three runs, two walks and recorded a season-high nine strikeouts. Unfortunately for Williams, the Guardians offense decided to take the day off, giving Williams his third loss of the season. Since returning from right-elbow inflammation on June 30, Williams has pitched to a 4.50 ERA with 23 strikeouts in 24 innings over five starts. The potential is there for the 25-year-old as he continues to shake off the rust, and he could be a valuable piece at the back end of rotations in the second half. Next up for Williams will be a rematch with the Tigers, this time at home.

Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Gavin Williams (elbow) has been reinstated off the injured list on Sunday. The former top prospect will make his return to Cleveland after being sidelined since the beginning of the season due to elbow inflammation. This is great news for the Guardians rotation considering how well Williams pitched with the big league club last season. He posted a 3.29 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 81/37 K/BB ratio across 16 starts. The Guardians might ease him back into things right away. However, Williams should be a reliable fantasy contributor once he's back up to full speed. In a corresponding move, right-hander Triston McKenzie heads back to Triple-A after struggling early on this season.

Cleveland Guardians right-hander Gavin Williams (elbow) made his latest minor-league rehab start for Triple-A Columbus on Thursday and looked good, giving up just one earned run on three hits while walking two and striking out six batters in four innings of work. The 24-year-old threw 82 pitches in the outing. If the Guardians decide that this was Williams' final rehab start, he could make his 2024 debut in a fantastic matchup next Tuesday versus the Chicago White Sox. The former 23rd overall pick in 2021 out of East Carolina should be picked up now off the waiver wire in mixed leagues if he's available after going 3-5 with an impressive 3.29 ERA (4.05 FIP) and 1.26 WHIP with 81 strikeouts and 37 walks in 82 innings over his first 16 MLB starts in 2023. He'll need to be more efficient and limit the free passes, but Williams' upside is intriguing with the first-place Guardians.

Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Gavin Williams (elbow) will make another minor-league rehab start on Wednesday for Triple-A Columbus. It'll be a sixth and perhaps final rehab appearance for Williams, who is on the mend from right elbow discomfort. If all goes well on Wednesday, fantasy managers shouldn't have to wait much longer for Williams' long-awaited 2024 debut with the Guardians. The 24-year-old former top prospect needs to be stashed in all fantasy leagues with his return likely to arrive early next week. Williams generated a promising .3.29 ERA and 1.26 WHIP while punching out 81 and walking 37 covering 16 starts (82 innings) in his rookie campaign during 2023.