Guardians Insider Reveals Opening Day Rotation

Almost a dozen pitchers entered camp with at least a non-zero chance to make the Cleveland Guardians rotation.

Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams, Luis L. Ortiz, Ben Lively, Logan Allen, Triston McKenzie, Doug Nikhazy, Jakob Junis, Vince Velazquez, Joey Cantillo, and Slade Cecconi, among others, were in contention for one of the five available spots.

Throughout camp, some realities became evident: Bibee shaping up as the Opening Day starter, Williams cementing his place as a bounce-back candidate, Ortiz getting a rotation spot despite an elevated ERA, and Lively earning a place among the starters with excellent command of his arsenal.

Cecconi and McKenzie were not as good as expected, and the former also got hurt.

When everything was said and done, the Guardians ended up rewarding the one who pitched better than everyone else in camp with the fifth rotation spot.

“Logan Allen will be the Guardians’ fifth starter. Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams, Luis Ortiz and Ben Lively round out the rest of the rotation. Triston McKenzie will begin the year in the bullpen,” Guardians insider Zack Meisel posted on X.

Logan Allen will be the Guardians' fifth starter. Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams, Luis Ortiz and Ben Lively round out the rest of the rotation.

Triston McKenzie will begin the year in the bullpen.

— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) March 23, 2025

Allen entered the spring with a chip on his shoulder.

He had impressed the world in 2023 with a 3.81 ERA in his debut season but slumped to an ugly 5.73 mark last year in 20 starts.

Everybody thought McKenzie, who had an impressive offseason, was the favorite to land that fifth spot.

But he struggled with command in Cactus League play while Allen put up an impressive 1.89 ERA in 19 frames, with 19 punchouts.

Now, for Allen, the challenge will be proving that he can keep up his dominance when the games start counting next week.