Who Will Be The Guardians' Opening Day Starter?
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The Clevland Guardians have completed their first week of Spring Training games of 2023 and still have a number of weeks to go before games count towards their record. However, their focus is starting to shift toward Opening Day and what their lineup will look like.
Terry Francona said that at this point of Spring Training, Shane Bieber is on pace to be the starter when they play the Seattle Mariners in the first game of the season.
This isn't a huge shock at all. Bieber has been considered Cleveland's ace dating back to 2019 and through the 2022 season. This included winning the Cy Young award during the shortened 2020 season.
They may not have played as many games as in other seasons, but that shouldn't take anything away from the dominant performance he put on that season.
Bieber has been the Opening day starter for Cleveland for the last three seasons. The last pitcher not named Bieber to start on Opening Day was Corey Kluber back in 2019.
This is an important season for Shane Bieber. He had a very average first half of the season in 2022, but return to form in the second half.
There will be a lot of chatter about Bieber's future throughout the year be it a potential contract extension or trade. He has only two more years of team control left before becoming a free agent.
This is arguably the most important season of Bieber's career so far and it starts with how he pitches on Opening Day.
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Triston McKenzie Looks Strong In First Start Of Spring Training
WATCH: Josh Bell Hits First Home Run In A Guardians Uniform
Guardians 2023 Top 50 Prospects, No. 45 SS Welbyn Francisca
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