Guardians young right-hander Tanner Bibee was set to take the ball on Thursday to start on Opening Day against Cole Ragans and the Kansas City Royals.
As it turns out, the talented Bibee won’t be able to make his start.
“Tanner Bibee will not start today for the Guardians. He’s sick. Ben Lively will start instead,” team insider Zack Meisel posted on X.
Tanner Bibee will not start today for the Guardians. He's sick. Ben Lively will start instead.
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) March 27, 2025
Obviously, it’s a less-than-ideal development for Cleveland as it alters their rotation plans.
The good news, however, is that it is a case of food poisoning and nothing more severe.
That seems to suggest he should be available within the next few days and shouldn’t require a stint on the injured list.
Ben Lively, who left a 3.81 ERA for Cleveland last year and had a solid spring on his way to winning a rotation spot, will be trusted with the responsibility of shutting down the Royals offense.
Considering the talent on that unit and the short notice before taking the ball, five solid innings will probably be enough for Guardians manager Stephen Vogt.
Bibee had been officially given his first Opening Day assignment in his still-young career a few days ago.
It’s truly a shame he won’t get to show the talent that made him the owner of a 3.47 ERA and 187 strikeouts in 173.2 frames last year.
Judging by the nature of the injury, however, he should be back before terribly long.
He is still a key cog in the Guardians’ pitching plans, as they can’t afford to lose both Bibee and Shane Bieber for an extended period.
NEXT: Guardians Announce 2025 Opening Day Roster
