Those who have been in a competitive rotation know how important routines are for pitchers.
It’s not easy for a specific hurler to alter his routine and be ready to pitch three or four days before he was scheduled to do it.
That’s exactly what Cleveland Guardians’ Ben Lively had to deal with on Thursday.
The Opening Day start was supposed to go to Tanner Bibee, but a case of acute gastroenteritis knocked him out for a few days and prevented him from taking the ball on Thursday.
Enter Lively, who didn’t hesitate to make the trip to Kansas City and take on the responsibility.
“Ben Lively caught a flight yesterday at 2 pm from Arizona to KC for today’s start. “Let’s go,” he said. “Foot on the pedal. That was a big thing with me last year. Once I get a call like this and saying you’re pitching, first thought: ‘Let’s go. Hit the gas and let’s rumble,” he said according to Guardians insider Tim Stebbins.
Ben Lively caught a flight yesterday at 2 pm from Arizona to KC for today's start.
"Let's go," he said. "Foot on the pedal. That was a big thing with me last year. Once I get a call like this and saying you're pitching, first thought: ‘Let’s go. Hit the gas and let's rumble.’"
— Tim Stebbins (@tim_stebbins) March 27, 2025
Hit the gas and let’s rumble.
It sure sounds like a good bumper sticker, doesn’t it?
All kidding aside, that mentality allowed Lively to successfully limit the Kansas City Royals offense to three runs in five innings, which later paved the way for a 7-4 Opening Day win for Cleveland.
Lively wasn’t afraid to alter his plans and help his team.
Since he wasn’t scheduled to pitch this weekend, the initial plan was for him to stay at the spring training complex, preparing for the San Diego series.
But the team needed him and he was there to help.
He didn’t hesitate and didn’t doubt himself.
All things considered, it was all worth it: Cleveland won, and Lively was a big reason why.
NEXT: Kyle Manzardo Puts On A Show As Guardians Take Opener
