Sam Hentges’ Journey Back: Family, Community, and a 2026 Comeback
Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Sam Hentges may hail from Shoreview, Minnesota, but his heart beats for Cleveland. Drafted by the Guardians straight out of high school in 2014, he has become an integral part of the team, second only to José Ramírez in tenure. Hentges has made a name for himself as a reliable setup man, showcasing his talent with impressive stats, including a 0.97 WHIP and a 2.32 ERA during the 2022 season. He transitioned seamlessly into the Stephen Vogt era, achieving a career-low WHIP and a 3.04 ERA before shoulder troubles sidelined him.
The Road to Recovery
After undergoing surgery on his shoulder in early 2024, Hentges has faced the challenges of recovery head-on. He hasn’t stepped onto the mound in a major league game since July 10, 2024, but he remains optimistic about returning to the Guardians by 2026. “I try to watch every single one of the games,” he said, emphasizing his dedication to staying connected with the team. “I really try to dial in when the boys in the pen come into the game. If for some reason I can’t watch it, I will be following the box scores on the app.”
While watching his teammates battle on the field, Hentges finds joy in spending quality time with his young son, who he describes as having “the motor of an NFL defensive end.” His family serves as his primary motivation. “I want to take care of my family,” he shared. “I want to give my son memories of watching his dad play in the big leagues and prove that this ‘newer’ surgery can be overcome.”
Building a Support System
Hentges is not navigating this recovery journey alone. He has reached out to others who have undergone similar shoulder surgeries, including fellow pitcher Daniel Espino. “He has helped throughout the process and explained how long it can take to start feeling normal again on the baseball field,” Hentges noted. “Almost everyone that I have talked to said the same thing: just trust it and keep working, because the results will come eventually.”
This advice has become a guiding principle for Hentges as he embraces a mindset focused on daily victories. “With a longer process like this, feeling comfortable and confident just playing catch is something that is important,” he said. After months of discomfort, he is beginning to feel more at ease with his throwing, a significant milestone in his recovery journey.
Celebrating Small Wins
Hentges understands that the rehabilitation process is filled with small victories that can feel monumental. “There are various steps in the process that are very small, but they feel so large because rehab has become your everyday life,” he explained. “There’s a lot of things that go through your head throughout the process, which can be difficult when you’re in the thick of it, but will seem so minor when looking back.”
His humility shines through as he attributes much of his progress to the support of his family. While he values consistency and discipline over fleeting motivation, the desire to pitch again at Progressive Field is palpable. “I can’t wait,” he expressed, his excitement evident. “I just can’t wait to be back out there wearing Cleveland across the chest, representing the city, my teammates, and anybody associated with the Guardians organization.”
As Hentges continues his recovery, the Cleveland community eagerly anticipates his return to the mound, ready to welcome back one of their own. In his eyes, Cleveland isn’t just a location; it’s a part of his identity, and he is determined to make his mark once more.
