The Cleveland Guardians are on a four-game losing streak and have a pivotal week ahead with a three-game series at the Minnesota Twins, who are fresh off a 13-game winning streak, followed by a four-game set at the Detroit Tigers, who have the best record in the league.
It’s the week that could define the rest of Cleveland’s season, which to this point could be described by one word, according to Zack Meisel of The Athletic.
“The definition of ‘meh,'” Meisel said. “The offense is a little bit below average, right? The pitching has been a little bit below average. It’s incredible that the team still has a winning record. They’re never firing on all cylinders. How do you not, at least, escape Cincinnati with one of those games? Maybe we’re getting closer to some roster shuffling. Guys getting back from the injured list, that’s certainly on the horizon.”
Cleveland hasn’t scored more than five runs in any of its past eight games, and now faces the Twins, who had the longest winning streak of the season, and the Tigers, who arguably have the league’s most dominant young pitching staff.
The word “meh” feels like an apt way to describe Cleveland’s 25-21 start, which is fitting after the Guardians had an uninspiring offseason when they again skimped out on spending any real money on a big bat that was so clearly a major need.
The Guardians doubled down on their strength, which was the bullpen, but the offense remains a major issue that doesn’t show any signs of improving, at least until some of their intriguing prospects are ready.
It’s going to be a tense week that should define how serious the Guardians can be about defending their AL Central crown.
NEXT: Analyst Sends Warning To Guardians About Matchup With Tigers
