The Cleveland Guardians finally got their second win in Cactus League play on Friday, 3-1 against the Colorado Rockies.
They are now 2-5 in spring training, not that it matters too much.
What matters the most is how certain players look.
Are they in form? Are they getting swings and misses? Do they have their best velocity or something close to it? Are their mechanics in order?
Well, everything appears to be OK with depth starter Ben Lively.
The right-hander was somewhat shaky in his first spring outing on Sunday, allowing five hits and a run in two innings of work against the Los Angeles Angels.
He was much better on Friday, though.
“Cleveland #Guardians RHP Ben Lively tossed three scoreless innings today vs the Rockies striking out three batters. Line – 3.0(IP) 1H 0R 0ER 1BB 3SO (47 Pitches 28 Strikes). He topped out at 90.8 mph,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Cleveland #Guardians RHP Ben Lively tossed three scoreless innings today vs the Rockies striking out three batters.
Line – 3.0(IP) 1H 0R 0ER 1BB 3SO
(47 Pitches 28 Strikes)
He topped out at 90.8 mph#ForTheLand
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) February 28, 2025
He has now allowed six hits, two walks, and a run in five spring frames, with four punchouts.
His ERA is sitting at a pretty 1.80.
When it comes to sheer upside, there are at least eight or nine pitchers on the Guardians staff with more potential, or a higher ceiling if you will, than Lively.
However, even though his second half wasn’t particularly good (4.14 ERA against a 3.58 mark before the break), we can’t forget that Lively posted a 3.81 ERA in his first campaign in Cleveland last year.
That’s a steady performance right there and amazing if you consider the low cost of his signing.
If the Guardians want some consistency out of their fifth rotation spot, Lively might be their man.
If they are shooting for sheer upside, however, they might go with Joey Cantillo or Triston McKenzie.
We are still weeks away from a decision but Lively definitely helped himself with his outing on Friday.
NEXT: Guardians Lefty Keeps Staking His Claim For A Rotation Spot
