Cleveland Guardians Fans Relax it’s Early

Photo by Charles Murray

Baseball is a long season. Relax. There is not a reason to panic in mid-April. That being said, there’s reasons for fans to be frustrated. The Guardians wrapped up a road trip on Wednesday. During which Cleveland went 3-3 over their last six games. They took two out of three from the Nationals and finished with one win and two losses in Detroit.

The organization has already had to deal with injuries early on. Starting pitchers Triston McKenzie and Aaron Civale both landing on the injured list was not in the cards. As always the team adjusted and has pieced pitchers together to offset the injuries in the rotation. Not optimal but hey injuries happen and if it’s one thing the Guardians have is pitching depth.

As of Wednesday Cleveland is 10-9 on the season. Some fans are getting antsy but it’s unnecessary. The team has shown signs that they have that “no quit” attitude from last season. Relax, you’d be mistaken to count them out. Just when you do the “Guardiac Kids” remind you they don’t give up.

Let’s address some fans concerns.

Bullpen

Last season the Guardians had one of the best bullpen in the majors. The youngest team in baseball had a streak of 32 innings in August where they didn’t give up a run. Heading into this season MLB.com had the bullpen ranked in the top five. The relievers have been called upon early to put in work this year. They are near the top of the league in innings pitched. The results have been up and down. Is it that we are spoiled from last year’s stellar bullpen? I’d say yes and add…relax, it’s early. If they can get through til Civale and McKenzie are back all is well. On a positive note, Sam Hentges is rehabbing in Akron. He was sidelined with shoulder inflammation in March yet he’s one step closer to joining the squad in Cleveland.

Rehab Update: @CleGuardians reliever @SamHentges worked a scoreless fifth inning allowing one hit and striking out one! He topped out at 95 mph! pic.twitter.com/7OUymcR99M

— Akron RubberDucks (@AkronRubberDuck) April 20, 2023

Despite the concern over closer, Emmanuel Clase’s, velo being down he’s still one of the nastiest pitchers in the league. Recording his sixth save Wednesday, the Guardians closer holds a 2.70 ERA. His blown save on April 3rd was his first since 9/20/2022. In April 15th’s win Clase threw a perfect inning. Reminder, he’s mortal yet he’s still one of the best closers in the game.

Moving puzzle pieces

Hunter Gaddis filled in McKenzie’s spot in the rotation. However, with the team optioning Gaddis to Triple-A Columbus on Wednesday there’s a question mark around who will take the hill in his place. Peyton Battenfield has pitched well in his two starts. In a 10.2 IP he carries a 1.69 ERA.

But the Guards still need another arm as it appears Gaddis is not the guy right now. Konnor Pilkington is another option. He was also optioned to Triple-A on Wednesday in a flurry of moves including the calling up of shortstop Brayan Rocchio. Amed Rosario is day-to-day with a back issue however his MRI results came back positive. To be safe Rocchio was brought up. With relief pitcher Enyel De Los Santos set to return from paternity Friday he’ll be taking a spot. Tanner Bibee is a name fans are clamoring to make the move. Understandably so as the rookie is pitching excellent in the minors.

#Guardians 24yr old RHP prospect Tanner Bibee with his 1st strikeout on the night on a 97.7 mph fastball for Triple-A Columbus vs Toledo. #ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/Jhamkjl0Ks

— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) April 19, 2023

Offense

The offense has been typical April offense. The way I see it players have slumps or they get hot and get cold again quickly. It’s not a burn the whole thing down and start over situation. Myles Straw has been hot out of the gate. His seven swiped bags are tied for third in the American League. The Gold Glove centerfielder continues to flash the leather and he’s batting .290.

Starting the season Josh Bell was struggling at the plate. However, he’s currently holding a seven game hit streak. Some fans were very concerned about Bell yet I believe he’ll be just fine. Let the man settle into his new team.

Looking ahead

The Guardians are heading home where they’re hosting the Marlins and the Rockies. Looking to finish April on a high note. Fans, relax take a breath and relish the never-quit attitude of the Guardians. The rest of the league often sleeps on them, Cleveland fans know better.