Gavin Hollowell: Making His Mark in the Cubs Bullpen

PITTSBURGH — Gavin Hollowell’s journey between Triple A and the majors has been a familiar path for the right-hander in his last four years as a reliever. Starting the season with 40 major league appearances, 26 of those during the 2023 season with the Colorado Rockies, Hollowell is now getting a chance with the Chicago Cubs. Due to bullpen injuries, Hollowell is being given an extended opportunity to prove himself against big-league hitters, aiming to be more than just a backup option.

“I mean, I don’t feel any different out there,” Hollowell shared with the Tribune. “I’m not reinventing, but pitching while knowing my defense is remarkable. If I hit the zone, strikeouts will come, and my team will get outs too.” Hollowell garnered his first save as a Cub in a 3-2 victory in 10 innings on Friday. Over 12 appearances, his 2.08 ERA is impressive, especially as he hasn’t allowed an earned run in his last 8 2/3 innings, accumulating 10 strikeouts, three walks, and just three hits.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell pointed out Hollowell’s confidence has risen. “His strike throwing has been essential for this stretch. The stuff has always worked,” Counsell said.

Hollowell’s delivery stands out due to its unique arm angle. At 10 degrees, it’s among the lowest slots for right-handers in the majors this season, with only eight pitchers having a lower angle with a minimum of 100 pitches thrown. Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy describes Hollowell’s delivery as “funky,” highlighting the good extension from his 6-foot-7 frame. “His approach is unique—over the plate, he’s excellent,” Hottovy told the Tribune. “North-south motion, fastball at the top, changeup and sinker down. It’s challenging.”

Hollowell, at 28, acknowledges his distinctive mechanics but emphasizes finding consistency. “People say I’m different, which is correct. Watching video, it feels normal since I used to pitch over the top. Over the years, it dropped, creating consistency where I’m comfortable now,” Hollowell explained.

The addition of a changeup has greatly benefited Hollowell. Previously, his attempt at a changeup with the Rockies in 2022 was ineffective, so he dropped it. However, people who specialize in pitch development suggested an effective changeup could significantly boost his success. “I’ve been trying, struggling with it,” Hollowell recalled. Spring training offered a breakthrough when experimenting with grips. The circle-change grip clicked, creating an illusion of the changeup dropping rapidly against left-handers. Using it sparingly, two of nineteen thrown have been in play—none resulting in a hit. Two strikeouts have occurred because of the changeup.

“As a former low-slot pitcher, the changeup eludes you due to grips playing off varied arm angles, plus release technique,” Hottovy explained. Hollowell had to experiment before finding success.

With the Cubs hoping for bullpen recovery, the return of closer Daniel Palencia presents a significant advantage. Palencia, rehabbing in Arizona, plans to throw in the bullpen, eyeing a mid-August return. Meanwhile, Hoby Milner (appendectomy) will throw live practice, then start rehab, aiming for early August return. Hollowell’s role may adjust as the bullpen gets healthy or acquiring a reliever before the Aug. 3 trade deadline.

“It’s about managing 27 outs this year,” Counsell mentioned. “The team responded well, and credit goes to them for adapting.”