Depending on how you look at things, the Cleveland Guardians have either been one of the best teams in the American League this season or are currently in a funk.
Both can be true, for what it’s worth: as of Friday morning, they have the best record in the junior circuit at 61-41, tied with the Baltimore Orioles.
So, yes, they have been magnificent, especially when we consider pre-season expectations.
However, they are also in a bit of a collective slump and were shut out by the Detroit Tigers on Thursday.
They have scored just 10 runs in their last six games and they are 5-9 in their last 14 contests.
Starting pitching was only a strength when Shane Bieber was healthy: with his injury and other circumstances going on in the rotation, the staff became a liability.
That, with the cold offense, puts a lot of burden on Cleveland’s elite bullpen.
Despite the recent struggles, manager Stephen Vogt is not worried.
“Guardians manager Stephen Vogt shoots down the idea that the team is in a funk: “Everybody needs to relax and be themselves,” Bally Sports Cleveland tweeted with a video of his remarks.
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt shoots down the idea that the team is in a funk: "Everybody needs to relax and be themselves." pic.twitter.com/I4QpwPW0Oq
— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) July 25, 2024
The Guardians have a lot of rookies and young players, and they are new to MLB’s mental struggles.
Many of them had been starring in the minors, and slumping at the MLB level can lead to frustration.
Vogt is preaching patience and is asking his roster to go out there, be themselves, play hard, and have fun.
It’s a good message: instead of freaking out, he understands that talent will always prevail.
Talent doesn’t always appear when the player is stressed or tense.
Despite the recent stretch of inconsistent play, Cleveland is still tops in the American League and enjoys a 4.5-game lead in the Central.
There are reasons to remain calm.
NEXT: Guardians Offense Disappoints Again As Tigers Earn Shutout Win
