The Cleveland Guardians believe in consistency.
When something is working, they won’t try to change it or fix it.
For the last four seasons (2020-2023), Shane Bieber has been their Opening Day starter.
Corey Kluber got the nod in the five seasons before that (2015-19), and Justin Masterson did it in the three years before the Kluber era (2012-14).
You can go ahead and add Bieber’s name for a fifth straight campaign.
“Our ace gets the nod for the fifth consecutive Opening Day, etching his spot in our record books,” the Guardians tweeted, with a picture announcing Bieber as the recipient of the honor and stating that his five consecutive assignments ties a franchise record.
Our ace gets the nod for the fifth consecutive Opening Day, etching his spot in our record books! 📖#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/DtAcHcLV87
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) March 19, 2024
You have to be very good and consistent (not to mention highly respected) to be a team’s Opening Day starter for five straight campaigns.
It says a lot about Bieber that his absolute worst season ended with a 3.80 ERA amid some clear arm issues.
Now, the right-hander not only is healthy, but he also went to Driveline to try and recoup some of his lost velocity over the years.
His four-seam fastball has averaged 91.3 mph the last two seasons, far from the 93-94 mph range where he has lived in the past.
But thanks to his offseason work, he has gotten those mph back and his breaking pitches have also regained some of their zip as a result.
In other words, it appears that the Guards have gotten their ace back.
The 2024 season will be key for him, as he will want to cash in and sign a lucrative contract in free agency.
It’s unlikely that Cleveland is his long-term home, but he will try to help the team while he is a part of it.
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