Who Could Replace Shane Bieber In Guardians Rotation?

The Cleveland Guardians have several options or directions they could take to fill Shane Bieber’s spot in the rotation.

The Cleveland Guardians all of a sudden find themselves in need of another starting pitcher. Shane Bieber will undergo Tommy John surgery which creates a void in the team’s rotation. Cleveland is going to need another arm to take over for him in the rotation and there are several options they could go with.

Here are a few candidates the Guardians could choose from to add to the rotation. (Disclaimer: While trading for a pitcher or prospect call-up is always possible, this list consists of those who are already on the roster.)

Carlos Carrasco

One of the easiest decisions here would be to keep Carlos Carrasco in the rotation once Gavin Williams returns from his injury. Cookie has the most experience starting out of any of the options and his veteran presence could be a much-needed boost for the team.

However, Williams will still be sidelined for a few week so the Guardians will still need someone else to step up until then.

Tyler Beede

Tyler Beede was taken 14th overall in the first round of the 2014 Draft. He never panned out as a starter for the San Francisco Giants but has been impressive out of the bullpen early on with the Guardians. Cleveland now has a decision to make with the 30-year-old.

Do they stretch out Beede who has starter experience, or do they keep him in the bullpen where he’s found early-season success?

Xzavion Curry

The Guardians called Xzavion Curry’s number last season when they needed another starter in their rotation. They’re in a situation where they may need to do this yet again. Curry started nine games for Cleveland in 2023 carrying a 5.24 ERA and a 1.427 WHIP in that role.

Aug 28, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Xzavion Curry (44) pitches to the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports

Curry opened the season on the injured list after catching the virus that swept through the team during spring training. He recently made a rehab start at Triple-A Columbus where he struck out seven batters in 2.1 innings. Maybe the plan now will be to continue to stretch him out in those rehab starts.

Ben Lively 

Curry and Ben Lively find themselves in identical situations. Both got sick while the team was in Arizona, both are on a rehab assignment in Columbus, and both could be options in Cleveland’s rotation.

Lively started 12 games for the Cincinnati Reds last season. His production as a starter was very similar to Curry as Lively posted a 5.48 ERA and a 1.386 WHIP in those appearances. Seeing what Ben could do for the Guardians as a starter remains a possible scenario.