The Cleveland Guardians’ weakest unit is probably the rotation.
It isn’t bad at all, and it does have a high ceiling.
However, there are also precious few certainties in the back end of the unit.
That’s why, when deciding on the five pitchers who will form the group, the organization must look for a high-floor option, particularly in the fourth and fifth spots.
With Tanner Bibee and Gavin Williams having locked up their spots, the real question marks begin after that.
Given the resources invested in him, Luis Ortiz should be in the rotation, as well.
After that, Ben Lively has done more than enough to win a spot.
He dominated the San Francisco Giants on Friday and reached the six-inning plateau, which means he is now fully stretched out to start the season.
“Cleveland #Guardians RHP Ben Lively fanned five Giants today allowing two runs over six innings of work. Line – 6.0(IP) 4H 2R 2ER 2BB 5SO,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Cleveland #Guardians RHP Ben Lively fanned five Giants today allowing two runs over six innings of work.
Line – 6.0(IP) 4H 2R 2ER 2BB 5SO #ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/v7NvH4fPht
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) March 22, 2025
With the excellent outing, Lively’s ERA is now 3.38 for the spring, with a 1.29 WHIP and 14 strikeouts in 18.2 frames.
Lively showed last year that he can be close to that level when the games start counting.
He had a 3.81 ERA in 2024, in 151 innings, with a 1.25 WHIP.
It was one of his finest seasons as a pro.
He is 33 now, but since he doesn’t really rely on sheer velocity to succeed, he can conceivably have a similar performance in 2025.
He looks ready, his arm is in shape, and he likely locked up a rotation spot with Friday’s outing.
NEXT: Guardians Manager Names Surprising Spring Training Standout
