News and Notes - Guardians Bullpen Puts on Another Masterclass

Cleveland offense and bullpen rally together after the starting pitcher is pulled early.

Tanner Bibee took the mound against the Detroit Tigers. This start was shaping up to be one of his best starts and completely opposite of his last start against the Tigers. Bibee was locked in, his only blemish a home run to Matt Vierling in the top of the 1st and a hit to Colt Keith in the 4th. After striking out Gio Urshela in the top of the 5th, Bibee was cruising at very efficient 67 pitching. It was shaping up to be possibly a 7 inning start for Tanner, but as he was taking the mound at the top of the 6th inning, Bibee started grabbing his quad. Bibee was pulled before facing another batter due to leg cramps.

Scott Barlow came in to pitch the 6th with a shortened warm up. It didn’t matter much, Barlow threw a very quick 6th inning and came out to start the 7th. Tim Herrin came in to finish the 7th inning, allowing no hits, no runs, and no walks. Hunter Gaddis was brought in to set up in the 8th and struck out all 3 batters faced in a very dominant 12 pitch outing. Emmanuel Clase finished the game, allowing a rare walk, but otherwise untouchable. Clase recorded his 31st save of the season, creeping closer to the franchise all time save record currently held by Cody Allen.

Just as the bullpen rallied behind Bibee’s momentum, the offense also followed.

In the bottom of the 5th Bo Naylor got the ball rolling with a ground ball single to right. A passed ball by the catcher presented the perfect opportunity for Naylor to steal 2nd. With Bo in scoring position, Steven Kwan knocked in a single line drive to center field, scoring Bo from 2nd and tying the game.

In the top of the 8th, Bo kicked things off again with a walk followed by another stolen base. Angel Martínez hit a ground out to first base that advanced Naylor to 3rd. A.J. Hinch elected to intentionally walk José Ramírez with the two outs. This was promptly punished when Josh Naylor hit a single ground ball to center field, scoring little brother Bo Naylor and advancing José to 2nd.

This victory felt larger than just a Wednesday night divisional game in July. When Bibee was pulled from the game, it had the chance to deflate all momentum in the dugout. However, Bo and Barlow set the tone for how this game would finish. Getting on base, stealing 2nd, and throwing good pitches. Hunter Gaddis carried the momentum through the 8th where he completely commanded the strike zone. What more can be said about this team? Just when the slump is looming, they somehow build themselves back up. On a day where the Yankees lost to the Mets 12-3, the Orioles fell to the Marlins 6-3, and the Twins took the series against the Phillies, last night’s win meant a lot. The team is still 21 games above 500 and holding the Twins back at an arm’s length. The Guardians need to stay focused as both the Phillies series and trade deadline approach. There’s no reprieve on the horizon and with the grueling stretches without a day off coupled with the 2nd hardest strength of schedule, the Guardians have their work cut out for them. But if any team can persevere and come out on the other side victorious (and with enough energy and momentum to enter the playoffs), it is this squad. The Guardians have a team that perfectly balances grit with skill and youth with veteran presence. The right bat and right arm could be the turbo boost to accelerate this team to ultimate victory.

With Wednesday night’s victory the Guardians record improves to 61-40.

AL Central Standings:

Cleveland Guardians - 61-40

Minnesota Twins - 56-45 - 5.0GB

Kansas City Royals - 56-46 - 5.5GB

Detroit Tigers - 50-53 - 12.0GB

Chicago White Sox - 27-77 - 35.5GB

Coming out of the All-Star Break, the Orioles and Yankees have also hit some speed bumps. The Orioles are now one game back in the American League with a record of 60-41. The Yankees are two-and-a-half games back with a record of 60-44. The Cleveland Guardians are still behind the Philadelphia Phillies and are two-and-a-half games back from the best record in the MLB.

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Cleveland Guardians News:

Not much to report as the trade deadline quickly approaches. None of the trade rumors being reported really involve the Guardians or they are not reporting anything too surprising. This is rather predictable for the Fort Knox style the front office takes with regards to any sort of roster movement or addition.

Travis Bazzana will be joining High-A Lake County at some point this week. No confirmation on what day exactly. Hopefully we will have an official update by gametime.

Around the League:

Former Cleveland Guardian Cal Quantrill in the middle of a verbal quarrel with Red Sox’s Reese McGuire.

Tampa Bay Ray Kevin Kiermaier will end his 12-year MLB career at the end of the 2024 season.