The Cleveland Guardians survived a tough game against the Detroit Tigers.
It was a playoff-like contest, and watching them pull it out was certainly encouraging.
With that in mind, analyst Ken Carman tipped his hat to manager Stephen Vogt.
“We killed [Vogt] last week for Tim Herrin. Tim Herrin comes in yesterday, strikes out the side. You stick with your guys. We gotta give credit where it’s due here. … You gotta do what you gotta do, and he was able to do it. … You gotta give credit where it’s due for Stephen Vogt. If we’re gonna hammer him last week, I gotta give him credit this week. That’s only fair. I give it a Vogt win,” Carman said.
⚾"We killed (Vogt) last week for Tim Herrin. Herrin comes in yesterday and strikes out the side. You stick with your guys, we have to give credit where it's due."@KenCarman gives credit to Steven Vogt as the #Guardians make a playoff push🔥
🔊: https://t.co/oVm4Zo75pj pic.twitter.com/b9lKHhH2ts
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) September 17, 2025
All things considered, Vogt has done a great job with the hand he’s been given.
This isn’t the most talented team by any means, yet it’s been able to stay competitive into the final weeks of the season.
The Guardians have overcome losing two pitchers who were tangled up in a sports gambling scheme.
Notably, that includes star closer Emmanuel Clase.
Most teams would’ve fallen apart after a scandal like that, especially considering how far behind they were in the playoff race at the time.
This Guardians team, however, isn’t like most teams.
It has continued to push through adversity and still has a chance to not only make the playoffs but to do so as AL Central champions.
Vogt has made some mistakes along the way, like any manager, but the overall balance is positive and encouraging.
He’s just getting started in his managerial career, yet he’s on pace to have a better record than Terry Francona did in his first two seasons with Cleveland, which is quite an accomplishment.
There will be ups and downs, but Vogt has earned the benefit of the doubt.
NEXT: Stephen Vogt Gets Honest About Crucial Win Against Tigers
