Gavin Hollowell’s Growing Role with the Chicago Cubs

PITTSBURGH – Gavin Hollowell’s pitching journey has seen him oscillate between Triple-A and the major leagues. Until now, he counted those experiences as typical for an emerging reliever. With 40 major league games under his belt, primarily in 2023 with the Colorado Rockies, Hollowell finds himself with a new opportunity. The Chicago Cubs’ bullpen injuries have opened doors for pitchers like him to demonstrate their potential against top-tier hitters.

Hollowell commented on his mindset, saying, I mean, I don’t feel any different out there. I’m not reinventing the wheel. I just go out and pitch, knowing my defense is amazing. If I stay in the zone, strikeouts will happen, and my teammates will take care of the outs too. He recently earned his first save with the Cubs in a 3-2 victory, and over 12 performances, he maintains a 2.08 ERA. In his last 8 2/3 innings, multitasking effectively, he hasn’t given up an earned run while striking out 10 and giving up just three hits.

Manager Craig Counsell praised Hollowell’s growth, noting his improved strike throwing as crucial. He’s throwing more strikes now, Counsell added. Hollowell’s delivery offers major league hitters a distinct look. His arm angle, positioned at 10 degrees, ranks among the lowest for right-handed pitchers. Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy highlighted the ‘funky’ delivery aided by Hollowell’s 6-foot-7 build. Hottovy explained, It’s unique. As long as he’s over the plate, he’s challenging. His low-slot delivery makes one think east-west, but it’s really north-south with his fastball high and his changeup and sinker down.

Gavin Hollowell reflected on his mechanics with a sense of humor. At 28, he has found a style that suits him. Speaking of his low arm slot, he said, People say I’m different, and that’s true. Watching videos doesn’t show me how low I’ve gotten—it feels normal since I used to throw overhand. Over the years, it’s lowered and now I am consistent and comfortable.

Including a changeup has expanded Hollowell’s pitch arsenal significantly. Although he tried using a changeup with the Rockies in 2022, he abandoned it due to ineffectiveness. Coaches informed him that mastering a changeup would enhance his success, and during spring training, Hollowell experimented with different grips using cues from past coaches. Finally, a circle-change grip worked, creating an impressive effect against left-handers.

He rarely throws the changeup, targeting left-handers specifically. Of the 19 delivered this year, only two were hit, and none resulted in a successful hit. Hollowell has two strikeouts from using the changeup. Hottovy stated, Being former low-slot, the changeup is hard to master. The grip must fit his angle and release. It took time, but it clicked.

The Chicago Cubs anticipate bolstering their bullpen with returning players like Daniel Palencia, who is rehabbing and could rejoin by mid-August. Left-hander Hoby Milner is also making a comeback, projecting to return in early August following his own rehab stint. As these seasoned players return, Hollowell and others like Tyler Ferguson might find their roles in flux, but the experience gained has substantial value. Figuring out the best way to manage 27 outs is key, and our players have responded well, noted Counsell. The bullpen has adapted admirably.