Gavin Hollowell’s Journey with the Cubs

Right-hander Gavin Hollowell has spent the last four years balancing between Triple A and the majors as a reliever. Before this season, Hollowell had 40 big-league appearances. Twenty-six of these came during the 2023 season with the Colorado Rockies. The Chicago Cubs’ bullpen injuries this year have opened doors for relievers like Hollowell. He now has a chance to prove his ability against major-league hitters beyond just being a depth option.

Hollowell comments, “I mean, I don’t feel any different out there. I’m not reinventing the wheel just yet. Just going out there and pitching and knowing that my defense behind me is unbelievable, and if I could just be in zone and let them do their job, the strikeouts will come and then outs will come from those guys too.” Hollowell secured his first save with the Cubs in a 3-2 win over the Pirates in 10 innings. So far, he has a 2.08 ERA from 12 appearances. In his last 8 2/3 innings, he hasn’t allowed an earned run and has struck out 10, walked three, and allowed only three hits.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell adds, “He’s improved. His strike throwing has been a key to this stretch here. He’s just throwing more strikes. The stuff has always worked.” Hollowell’s delivery style provides hitters with a unique look. His arm angle is at 10 degrees, among the lowest among right-handers in the majors. Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy describes Hollowell’s delivery as funky and accentuates the benefits of his 6-foot-7 frame.

“It’s just a unique approach so as long as he’s over the plate, he’s going to be really good,” Hottovy shares. “And when I say over the plate, you see a low-slot guy you think more east-west, but in reality, it’s more north-south for him. Getting his fastball to the top, his changeup and sinker down and then just striking the sweeper. If he does those things, he’s really difficult.”

Hollowell agrees, saying that while his mechanics may seem unusual, they work for him. “Everyone out there just says I’m a little different, and, I mean, they’re right, but watching video and stuff, I don’t realize that I’m all the way down there, and it feels normal because I used to throw over the top,” explains Hollowell.

The introduction of a changeup has enhanced Hollowell’s four-pitch combination. Initially less effective, Hollowell refined his changeup with continuous experimentation and spring training adjustments. His circle-change grip now deceives left-handers with its drop. Only two of his 19 changeups have been put in play this season, and none resulted in hits. “Being a former low-slot guy, I feel like the changeup is the pitch that eludes you the most,” Hottovy states. “It was definitely a pitch that he had to kind of like fiddle with for a while and then it just kind of clicked.”

The Cubs anticipate their bullpen will regain strength in the upcoming weeks. Closer Daniel Palencia is rehabbing and may return by mid-August. Hoby Milner, recovering from an appendectomy, is set to return early August after live batting practice and a rehab assignment. The roles of Hollowell or Tyler Ferguson may change as the bullpen strengthens, but the Cubs value the experience being gained.

Counsell notes, “You’re just trying to figure out the best way to navigate 27 outs, and it’s kind of how we’ve treated it this year. They’ve responded to it super well, and credit to the guys down there for doing it.”