Bryan Shaw’s 2020 season ended with the Seattle Mariners. It did not go well at the big-league level. Things improved at great deal at the alternate site because that’s where Shaw re-invented himself.
The Mariners caught a quick, searing glimpse of the new Shaw in the ninth inning Thursday. He relieved closer Emmanuel Clase with the bases loaded, two out and the Indians ahead, 4-2. Shaw, with the help of catcher Austin Hedges, who knocked down one of his sliders in the dirt to keep the runners immobile, struck out Luis Torrens on four pitches for his first save of the season.
Manager Terry Francona said he was reluctant to remove Clase, but felt he’d lost the ability to throw strikes. He was also surprised Shaw got ready as quickly as he did.
