Skip to main content

The Cleveland Guardians are beginning to make significant changes after they underperformed through the first part of the season. Cleveland's starting rotation has been somewhat of a revolving door with injuries to Triston McKenzie and Aaron Civale at the beginning of the season.

That forced the Guardians to turn to their young batch of starters in Logan Allen and Tanner Bibee to have their shot at the Major League level. They haven't disappointed in their opportunity which has put the organization in a tough position.

They're riding with the young pitchers, which means someone is going to be left out. In this case, the odd man out is Zach Plesac who was optioned to Triple-A Columbus on Thursday afternoon.

Plesac hasn't pitched in the Minors since the 2019 season and has remained in the rotation ever since his call-up of that summer. Over his five seasons in Cleveland, he's put up an ERA of 4.20 and a 1.23 WHIP. 

It's been a struggle for the athletic pitcher in 2023 as he's already allowed 37 hits and 20 runs in just five starts.

Replacing Plesac in the rotation won't fix all of Cleveland's problems and it's not fair to treat him as a scapegoat. However, it does signal that the organization is prepared to make changes based on how the team has performed. 

----

Read More:

Guardians To Start Rookie Over Zach Plesac Against Twins

Guardians Slide Continues, Drop Fifth Straight Series After Losing To New York

The Guardians Continue To Rely Heavily On Emmanuel Clase

The Most Impressive Part Of Tanner Bibee's First Two MLB Starts

Guardians Give Up Lead Late As Yankees Secure Victory, 4-2

Be sure to stay locked into Cleveland Baseball Insider all the time:

SUBSCRIBE to the CBI YouTube channel

Follow Cleveland Baseball Insider on Twitter: @CBI_FanNation

Photo Credit © Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports