If you have followed the Cleveland Guardians’ season closely, you know that Ben Lively has been, quite likely, their most consistent pitcher.
He boasts perhaps the lowest ceiling in the rotation but is a steady veteran who knows how to pitch, hit his spots, and avoid big innings.
Lively took the mound on Monday as the Guards opened a series against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Unfortunately, he had to leave the game with an injury after tossing three scoreless frames.
“Ben Lively left tonight’s game with right forearm inflammation,” Al Pawlowski posted on X.
Ben Lively left tonight’s game with right forearm inflammation.
— Al Pawlowski (@AlPawlowski) May 12, 2025
Right forearm inflammation is a very unspecific, broad diagnosis.
The righty will likely go through a battery of tests and imaging to determine the extent of the injury.
It could be a mild forearm strain or a much more severe ailment, such as a flexor tendon strain or ligament damage.
It’s too early to make any judgments or conclusions, though.
For now, consider him out indefinitely.
He had conceded a hit and two walks before leaving, with one strikeout.
It’s a sensible loss for the Guardians’ pitching staff, as his ERA was a rock-solid 3.22 at the moment of the injury.
The entire organization and its fans are now holding their breath, hoping Lively doesn’t have to miss much time.
If the injury requires a trip to the injured list, Cleveland is looking at rehabbing starter Slade Cecconi or impressive pitching prospects Parker Messick or Doug Nikhazy to replace Lively.
We will have to wait for a more concrete report on the situation, possibly later on Monday but more likely on Tuesday.
NEXT: Guardians Legend Uses Stats To Highlight The Importance Of Steven Kwan
