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Cleveland Guardians vs. Milwaukee Brewers, May 14, 2025
CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Guardians have played 43 regular season games, meaning just over 25% of the season cannot be rewritten, reshaped or retold.
Here are five thoughts on what we’ve seen from the Guardians through the first six weeks of the season.
No. 1: Are they good enough to catch the streaking Tigers in the AL Central?
Since they’ll meet for the first time this season on May 22 for a four-game series at Comerica Park, let’s go with a firm maybe. The Tigers have the best record in the AL at 29-15, while the Guardians are tied with the Yankees for the second best at 25-18.
For as well as Cleveland has played, it has not been able to close the gap on the Tigers because they’ve played better. One thing’s for sure, the Guards better bring their A game to the Motor City next week.
The Guardians went 7-6 against Detroit last year in the regular season. In the American League Division Series, they prevailed in five games.
No. 2: Every team has injuries, but the strained right flexor tendon that put Ben Lively on the injured list Tuesday, came at a bad time for the Guardians. The rotation is finally showing some consistency. Now we’ll get a look at just how much pitching depth the front office was able to add in the offseason.
No. 3: Is there anything better than watching Jose Ramirez on a hot streak?
He homered in Wednesday’s 9-5 loss to the Brewers to extend his hitting streak to nine games in which he’s hitting .406 (13 for 32) with three homers, seven RBI, four steals and a 1.294 OPS (onbase percentage + slugging percentage). He’s reached base in 13 straight games and at 31 can still take over a game with his bat and speed.
No.4: The Guardians, even with a strong showing by Ramirez, have a middle-of-the-pack offense. So where would they be without Kyle Manzardo (.221, 10 HR, 25 RBI), Gabriel Arias (.263, four homers, 19 RBI), Steven Kwan (.325, four homers, 17 RBI) and Daniel Schneemann (.261, five homers, 12 RBI)?
No. 5: The Guardians keep finding low-budget, but effective relievers. Last year it was Pedro Avila and Scott Barlow. This year it’s Kolby Allard, Matt Festa and Jakob Junis. Paul Sewald was in the mix as well, but he injured his right shoulder.
They have given manager Stephen Vogt other options so he’s not constantly going to Tim Herrin, Hunter Gaddis, Cade Smith and Emmanuel Clase.
Breakfast and trivia
Wednesday’s power breakfast didn’t produce a sweep of the Brewers, but the Guardians have still won nine of 12 series to open the season. Thursday is an off day, a day to hit the snooze button three or four extra times. Still, the Guards need some energy to pack for a 10-game trip to Cincinnati, Minneapolis and Detroit that begins Friday.
With that in mind, how about a protein shake and a banana to start the day? While you’re filling the blender, try to answer this question. What Guardians player has appeared in all 43 games this season? Answer below.
Tanner Bibee, Cleveland Guardians.Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Next
Thursday: The Guardians have an off day.
Friday: They travel to Cincinnati and Great American Ball Park to open a three-game series against the Reds at 6:40 p.m. It will be RHP Tanner Bibee (3-3, 3.80) vs. RHP Brady Singer (4-2, 4.97) in the first game at 6:40 p.m. CLEGuardians.TV, WTAM 1100, WMMS 100.7 FM and the Guardians radio network will carry the game.
Saturday: RHP Luis Ortiz (2-4, 4.78) vs. RHP Chase Petty (0-2, 21.94) Saturday at 6:40 p.m. CLEGuardians.TV, WTAM 1100, WMMS 100.7 FM and the Guardians radio network will carry the game.
Sunday: Undecided vs. RHP Anthony Abbott (2-0, 2.10) at 1:40 p.m. CLEGuardians.TV, MLB Network (out of market only), WTAM 1100, WMMS 100.7 FM and the Guardians radio network will carry the game.
Monday: The Guardians open a three-game series against the Twins at Target Field at 7:40 p.m.
Trivia answer
Kwan, the ever present leadoff hitter, has appeared in all 43 of the Guardians games this season.