The Cleveland Guardians lost for the third time in four games on Thursday, dropping the series finale against the Baltimore Orioles 6-2.
They are now 9-9 on the season, and will now take on the Pittsburgh Pirates to try and get back on track.
Tanner Bibee couldn’t deliver a solid outing and surrendered six runs, all earned, in 5.2 innings of work.
Bibee was supposed to be Cleveland’s ace in the absence of Shane Bieber, but so far hasn’t been able to live up to that title.
After Thursday’s rough outing, he owns a 5.85 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP.
His problem, so far, is simple: walks and home runs.
Bibee has walked 11 guys in four starts, uncharacteristically wild numbers from him.
The biggest problem appears to be the long balls, though.
Believe it or not, the righty leads the entire league in home runs allowed heading into Friday’s action, with seven.
“Bibee and Williams combined to date: 39.2 IP, 21 BB. And Bibee leads the AL in HR allowed with 7. Guardians need that duo to start pitching better,” @CleSportPrspctv posted on X.
Bibee and Williams combined to date: 39.2 IP, 21 BB. And Bibee leads the AL in HR allowed with 7.
Guardians need that duo to start pitching better.
— Mark (@CLESportPrspctv) April 18, 2025
Much was expected from the Guardians’ young pitching duo before the start of the season, especially since they both enjoyed solid Cactus League performances.
It’s still early, which means they are very much capable of turning around their fate.
Still, fans can’t help but be concerned about their pitching stalwarts.
The most baffling thing about Bibee is the inconsistency.
Here are his earned runs allowed per start: zero, seven, zero, and six.
It’s hard to count on someone like that.
Still, two years of excellent performance and the fact he is healthy and throwing as hard as ever indicate that he will eventually find the cure to what’s ailing him and fix it.
Bibee, in all likelihood, will be fine.
NEXT: Josh Naylor Is Enjoying Fantastic Start To The Season In Arizona
