Cleveland's Starting Rotation Is Clear Moving Forward
The starting rotation for the Cleveland Guardians was full of questions and concerns even before the season started.
Triston McKenzie was put on the injured list and has yet to pitch this season and Aaron Civale soon followed. Will Shane Bieber's velocity return? Can Zach Plesac and Cal Quantrill hold down the back half of the rotation?
The first whole month of the season is officially over, and some questions are still waiting to be answered. But for now, it's clear that the Guardians starting rotation (until the team is healthy) should be as follows:
- Shane Bieber
- Logan Allen
- Tanner Bibee
- Cal Quantrill
- Peyton Battenfield
This list is in no particular order, but it gets the point across. This is Cleveland's best option for their rotation until McKenzie and Civale return. Once one of them does come back then they could take Battenfield's spot which will leave a difficult decision for the team once they're both back.
Yes, Allen and Bibee only have one Big League start under them but their talent is obvious. It'd be better for their development if they struggle and learn in the Majors than continuing to dominate in the Minors.
The one name that is missing from this list is Zach Plesac. Unfortunately, he just hasn't cut it so far this season to be in the rotation. Plesac owns a 7.59 ERA over five starts this season and has been getting hit hard by opposing batters.
Plesac sits in the 14th percentile in average exit velocity and the 32 percentile for HardHit% demonstrating how aggressive batters have been with him this season. However, there may still be a spot for him in the bullpen.
The Guardians' rotation has been somewhat of a revolving door so far this season, but the situation could be much worse. They have a starter ERA of 4.65 which is just about at the league average.
Once they are fully healthy and find more consistency, the Guardians will return to the pitching juggernaut we all know them to be.
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