The Cleveland Guardians have won 41 games this season, losing just 22.
That’s good enough for the best record in the AL Central (by three games) and tied with the Baltimore Orioles for the second-best in the American League, behind the New York Yankees.
We all knew there was potential in this Guardians team, but their performance so far has been amazing.
Some of the young kids have broken out, the usual stars are performing at a high level, and they have unearthed some unexpected gems, too.
Ben Lively is, without a doubt, one of those gems.
The Guards signed him to a cheap deal in the offseason, as he came off a year in which he posted a 5.38 ERA in 88.2 innings with the Cincinnati Reds.
What has he done for Cleveland? Well, he now has a 2.59 ERA in 55.2 frames in 2024.
Oh, and he has won each and every one of his five outings.
“Lively wins 5th straight start, Ramirez, Kwan homer and Guardians top Marlins 8-0,” AP’s Tom Withers tweeted.
Lively wins 5th straight start, Ramirez, Kwan homer and Guardians top Marlins 8-0 (from @AP) https://t.co/L4YlT6FClD
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) June 9, 2024
In a rotation that has lost Shane Bieber for the season, doesn’t currently have Gavin Williams, and has had to endure mediocre seasons from Logan Allen and Carlos Carrasco, Lively has been a breath of fresh air.
The Guardians have a guy making $750,000 this year (near the minimum) in Lively, who is boasting a 2.59 ERA, a 1.11 WHIP, and a 6-2 record.
Talk about getting value for your money!
Lively will likely keep his rotation spot for as long as he is effective.
With the way he is pitching right now, he could keep it all season.
NEXT: Jose Ramirez On Pace To Clear Important Milestone For The First Time
