News and Notes: Guardians Lose a Blowout in Kansas City

News and Notes for Saturday, June 29th, 2025

It's almost July and the Guardians somehow have the second-best winning percentage in baseball while having the second-worst starting pitching staff in baseball.

That's how we should all be looking at today after a disappointing and embarrassing 10-3 loss to the Kansas City Royals. The Guardians have bought themselves some time to figure this thing out, but the rent has come due on Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen.

I believe that if McKenzie's issue was "I'm an injured pitcher," the team would have already put him on the IL and he would have got Tommy John. He is throwing 95 mph on his fastball. It's his mechanics that are a mess. And, it's time to stop hoping he'll figure it out in the majors and give him a chance to rebuild his mechanics in Columbus or in Arizona and then Columbus. If the issue is the ligament he damaged last year (my guess is that it is not), then it's likely time to face the music and get the surgery because the half-measures aren't getting it done.

Allen's issues may be more pitch mix and confidence, but in any case, he also needs a trip down I-71. Hopefully, he makes me look silly for saying this on Sunday.

Who replaces these two? Gavin Williams, for one. The second option will probably be Xzavion Curry, but should be whoever the Guardians feel is best capable of giving them a chance to win a game between Joey Cantillo, Doug Nikhazy, Austin Peterson, Tommy Mace and Parker Messick. "They're not ready." Hey, right now a pitching machine can give you an FIP of almost 6. Then, when Matthew Boyd is stretched out, it's probably him until whatever trade deadline upgrade can be found.

This team has the pieces to make a deep playoff run. But, it'll be hard to do when two of your starting pitchers are playing home run derby every fifth day. I love McKenzie and Allen and believe in their talent. But, the time to have them figure it out under the watchful eyes of Carl Willis and Austin Hedges is over for the time being.

José Ramírez hit his 22nd home run. David Fry had three hits. Jhonkensy Noel hit a double. Darren McGaughan saved the Guardians bullpen and will probably be DFA'd for his trouble and to make room for a fresh arm. The Twins lost, also. There's your good news for the day.

Let's hope today is a return to the good baseball with a matinee matchup between Tanner Bibee and Cole Ragans.