CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Every good streak has a beginning and an end.
For closer Brad Hand his streak of 22 consecutive saves started onMarch 30, the second game of the 2019 season. It lasted for the next 75 games, including his 22nd and final save of the streak on June 22.
Jose Mesa is the only Tribe closer to open the season with a longer run of saves. Mesa’s started the 1995 season with 38 straight saves on the way to saving 46 games in 47 chances.
Hand’s streak began with a 2-1 victory over the Twins at Target Field. He pitched into and out of trouble in the ninth inning, retiring C.J. Cron with the bases loaded at Target Field for the final out. Hand, a Minnesota native, was pitching in front of family and friends.
During the streak, Hand went 3-2 with a 1.08 ERA in 34 games. He struck out 49 and walked eight in 33 1/3 innings. He inherited 11 runners and didn’t allow one to score.
Hand recorded save No. 22 against the Tigers at Progressive Field. He entered the ninth with a 2-0 lead, but allowed a one-out double to Niko Goodrum and a single to Ronny Rodriguez. He came back to strikeout the next two batters for the save.
The streak ended on June 25 against Kansas City. Hand was making his fourth appearance in five days and appeared gassed. He started the ninth with a 6-3 lead, but allowed the first five Royals to reach base on hits. Hunter Dozier had the fifth and decisive hit, a three-run homer to give the Royals an 8-6 lead.
Hand, 30, converted five straight saves after that, but ran into problems later in the year. From Aug. 11 through the end of the season, he posted a 8.10 ERA, allowing nine runs on 17 hits in 10 innings, over his last 11 appearances of the season. He blew three of 10 save opportunities and was shutdown in late September for having a tired left arm that caused his arm slot to drop.
He ended the year at 6-4 with a 3.30 ERA and 34 saves in 39 chances. He struck out 84 and walked 18 in 57 1/3 innings.
In spring training this year, Hand said he had to do a better job at keeping his arm fresh between appearances by spending more time with the Tribe’s training staff. He had avoided the trainer’s room for much of his career because he’d never had an arm injury.
“I’m just going to try and take care of myself a little better in the trainer’s room,” said Hand. “Stay on top of things. I’m not really trying anything different or changing, just taking care of myself in the trainer’s room.
“I’ve never had any arm issues. I’ve never been a big training room guy. I’d get treatment here and there. It’s never something I’ve had to deal with before. This year I’ll probably take a few more steps and stay ahead of it. I’m getting older. Maybe that has something to do with it.”
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