Edmonton pitcher Erik Sabrowski plays for the Cleveland Guardians

Cleveland Guardians pitcher Erik Sabrowski discusses his recent performance and his path to the Major Leagues on CTV Morning Live Edmonton.

This transcript has been edited for length and clarity.

Kent Morrison: Cleveland rocked last night after Jhonkensy Noel, they call him “Big Christmas,” hit a game-winning home run in the bottom of the ninth inning for the Cleveland Guardians. Then, an inning after that, chaos reigned as David Fry won the game with a home run. It was wild when the Guardians won a game against the New York Yankees and finished the series 2-1. In the middle of it all was Erik Sabrowski of Edmonton, who pitches for Cleveland. Erik, what was it like to be in the middle of it all as the stadium explodes with a win after a deficit?

Erik Sabrowski: It was incredible. If there was a roof there, it would have come off after both home runs. Cleveland fans love baseball, they love the Guardians and they're really excited right now.

Kent: You've been a big part of this since you were called up to the major leagues in August. What a rush to join a team that's headed to the playoffs, but you've earned a big spot in the playoffs and played in big moments, both against Detroit and the Yankees. How does it feel to be on the hill? They say it's a lonely place. Is that what it feels like?

Eric: Sometimes it can be, especially when things aren't going right. I'm just lucky. One, to play in the big leagues, and two, to be on a team that finishes in first place. Coming down the stretch in September, I thought, 'Who's got it better than me?' We can pop champagne because we're winning the playoffs, winning the division and I'm in the thick of it as a rookie trying to figure out how this game here functions.

Kent: I want to highlight a play from Game 2. The attitude you had with that pickoff at second base, we don't see that often from a rookie. To whom do you owe your calm demeanor?

Eric: repeats. Lots and lots of reps in spring training. Running through the ragtag defenses and pickoff games early in the morning, doing spring training and just being told, 'You're not going to make this play on a Tuesday during the regular season.' It's going to happen in a big moment in the playoffs.' I am glad it worked out in my favor.

Kent: For those who may be unfamiliar with your journey from here in Edmonton to the Major Leagues. You played for the Edmonton Prospects and also had two Tommy John surgeries, an elbow replacement that ends many careers. Going through it twice is incredible. What did you tell yourself during this recovery to get to where you are now?

Eric: Well, the first one was normal. Unfortunately, a lot of guys get Tommy John these days, so the first time it was just, “Whatever.” “It's a quick burst of speed.” But the second time it was a little harder to find the will to go to rehab. I just told myself that I worked so hard on the first one and it didn't work. Maybe we'll try again.

Kent: How has your success been since your second Tommy John surgery? Because you went from the minor leagues to the big leagues. What was your process to get you to this point? Because there are many speed bumps along the way.

Eric: Yes, it wasn't short. It was a few years off from baseball. I told myself I was borrowing the time, I shouldn't be here, so I might as well use it.

Kent: Now we see the Oilers hat. We know you love your hometown very much. Do you feel the love of home from Edmonton to Cleveland?

Eric: Yes, it was great. People I knew in high school or barely met reached out. I definitely feel very happy and feel the love.

Kent: How isolated are you from all this attention as you go through the playoffs? To me, you're on the mound at Yankee Stadium and you may not hear all the noise, but are you connected to literally everyone who speaks up these days?

Eric: Yes, in the age of social media, it's pretty easy to get a message request or a mention or something like that. So I've seen most of it.

Kent: Well, I'm glad you see it because there are a lot of people who are very proud of your progress. More successes follow. Erik, congratulations on your run so far. Catch the Yankees tonight.

Eric: That's the plan. Thank you.

Kent: All right, this is Erik Sabrowski from here in Edmonton, pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians. They face the Yankees in Game 4 later today.