Cleveland Sports Forum

Tanner Bibee goes three scoreless, Jose Ramirez homers in Guardians’ 2-1 win over White Sox

Updated: Mar. 08, 2024, 6:30 p.m.|Published: Mar. 08, 2024, 6:05 p.m.

By Paul Hoynes, cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Tanner Bibee threw three scoreless innings and Jose Ramirez homered Friday afternoon as the Guardians beat the White Sox, 2-1, at Goodyear Ballpark in Goodyear, Arizona.

The Guardians are 4-8-1 this spring.

Bibee, in his second start of the spring, opened the game with two walks. He ended the threat by striking out Luis Robert Jr. and getting Gavin Sheets to hit into a double play.

Catcher Bo Naylor, playing just his third game this spring because of back spasms, bounced a single through the middle for a 1-0 lead in the second. Andres Gimenez, after being hit by a pitch and stealing second, scored.

Ramirez made it 2-0 with a two-out homer in the third. It was his second homer of the spring.

The White Sox made it 2-1 in the seventh on a sacrifice fly by Braden Shewmake. Hunter Gaddis, trying to make the Guardians’ pitching staff, opened the inning with a strikeout, but Dominic Fletcher doubled and Zach LaRoche singled him to third to bring Shewmake to the plate.

Aleman, in camp as a non-roster player, had 84 strikeouts in 55 innings at Class A Lake County and Class AA Akron last year.

He started the ninth by striking out Peyton Burdick and Tim Elko. Burdick went down on a 96 mph fastball. Elko was retired on a 97 mph fastball. Franco hit Brett Phillips in the foot to put the tying run on base before striking out LaRoche to end it.

The Guardians and White Sox had six hits each.

Tyler Beede, competing with Gaddis and others for the swing-man’s job on the staff, threw 1 2/3 scoreless innings in relief of Bibee. Sam Hentges and Nick Sandlin each threw a scoreless inning.

Sandlin has yet to allow a run this spring in five innings.

Next:

LHP Logan Allen will face the Angels on Saturday at 3:05 p.m. ET at Goodyear Ballpark. Bally Sports Great Lakes and WTAM will carry the game.

Xzavion Curry, Tanner Burns, Eli Morgan, Tim Herrin, Cade Smith and Tyler Zuber are scheduled to follow Allen to the mound.

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Shane Bieber's New Pitch Ahead Of 2024 Season, Guardians News

By Tommy Wild | Last updated 3/8/24

Shane Bieber proved to be one of MLB's best pitchers after winning the 2020 Cy Young award. However, that was now almost four years ago. It's no secret that the past two seasons have not been kind to him in terms of injuries, but Bieber is looking to do something about it.

The Cleveland Guardians' ace re-found his fastball velocity in his first spring training start and revealed after his second appearance against the Oakland Athletics that he was also working on a few new pitches as well.

"I worked on a couple of new pitches, didn't show them too much, but got some really great feedback on those pitches in that execution as well - Changeup. So, there's two strikeouts in the first inning that were on changeups. That's definitely not usually one of my strong suits so I was happy to emphasize and feature that."

The Guardians and Bieber's outing was cut short due to inclement weather, but he still finished with a strong line after 2.0 innings. He gave up one hit, allowed one earned run, and walked a batter, but did manage to strike out four hitters too.

Bieber threw his changeup the fewest times (69 pitches / 3.5%) out of any pitch last season. In those matchups, opponents had a .500 batting average while just an 8.3 Whiff% rate.

It was essentially an unused pitch and could be considered new heading into the 2024 season.

Adding this new look to Bieber's mix could be even more effective if he's able to keep his fastball velocity at 93-94 mph. It could also nicely complement his slider which is already proven to be an elite pitch.

The 2024 season will be Bieber's biggest yet. He has just one year left on his contract and is set to become a free agent this fall. If the former Cy Young winner is looking to receive one of the mega deals we've seen given to Gerrit Cole. Zack Wheeler, or Yoshinobu Yamamoto, is going to need to prove he can still perform at a high level.

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How Guardians Plan To Use Newest Reliever

Stephen Vogt expects Scott Barlow to pitch in high-leverage innings for the Cleveland Guardians.

TOMMY WILD23 HOURS AGO

The Cleveland Guardians offseason was full of several minor moves instead of one major one. However, they did make one transaction early in the fall that may be going under the radar.

This was acquiring RHP Scott Barlow from the San Diego Padres in exchange for Enyel De Los Santos.

Barlow has experience pitching in a variety of situations and roles when he was with the Padres and Kansas City Royals. But where exactly will he fit with the Guardians? Stephen Vogt weighed in on this on Wednesday.

"Obviously, with Scott, we see a guy who can throw leverage innings," said Vogt. "We see a guy with tons of closing experience and someone who can partner with [Emmanuel Clase] at the back end. So, Scott's going to throw some meaningful innings for us this year, and we're excited he's here."

A one-two punch of Clase and Barlow in the eighth and ninth innings is just about as good as it gets. However, Vogt does still leave the door open to have Barlow close out a few games here and there.

This is no knock on Clase at all. Cleveland's current closer has led the league games finished each of the last two seasons which could partially be the reason that he suffered from intensities last season. Sometimes, a pitcher just needs a break.

Barlow allows Vogt to give Clase a night off while still feeling comfortable with the pitcher he has on the mound in a potential game-saving situation.

It's a win-win move for everyone and improves not only the immediate needs but will station the longevity of the bullpen throughout the season.

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Cleveland Guardians Spring Training Prospect Report 3/8/24

JUSTIN LADA

MAR 9

Game 13 - Cleveland Guardian 2, Chicago White Sox 1

STARTER

Brayan Rocchio (SS): 0-3, K -

Results don’t matter in spring training but it doesn’t seem like Rocchio has had that loud of a camp and nobody has separated themselves in this battle. Freeman has swung the bat well, but how often will he bounce between CF and the INF? It seems like he’s going to make the team and one of Rocchio or Arias are going to start the year in Columbus. The good thing for Rocchio is that Arias hasn’t really taken a step forward either

RESERVES

Petey Halpin (LF): 0-1

Chase DeLauter (CF): 0-1 -

We’re getting to the point in the spring where non-MLB players are going to get less reps as the guys who will break camp with the team start to play longer and on back to back days. DeLauter will probably still get some starts, but don’t be surprised when he goes to start playing in some minor league games to get full game reps and build up his body for the year. He needs that especially.

Aaron Bracho (1B): 0-1

Deyvison De Los Santos (1B): 1-1 -

It’s another ground ball single for De Los Santos. All three of his spring hits have been ground ball singles. While spring training results aren’t anything to really pay attention to, you’d like to see De Los Santos hitting more line drives and fly balls in whatever case. The less starts he gets too is also a concern of him making this team. I think the odds are dwindling but we’ll see.

Bryan Lavastida C: 0-2, K

Johnathan Rodriguez (RF): 0-1, K -

The quality of at bats for Rodriguez also haven’t seemed great this spring.

Jose Tena (SS): NO PA

PITCHERS

Jack Leftwich: 0.1IP -

Got out one finishing Tyler Beede’s outing. He’s had several reps in the big league camp so far.

Franco Aleman: IP, 3K -

Aleman fanned all three batters he faced and he was up to at least 96 according to the radio broadcast.

DRESSED BUT DID NOT PLAY

C Zac Fascia

INF/OF Daniel Schneemann

OF Angel Zarate

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So little time, so many decisions to make: Guardians spring training breakfast

Updated: Mar. 09, 2024, 11:29 a.m.|Published: Mar. 09, 2024, 11:08 a.m.

By Paul Hoynes, cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio --The first two roster cuts of the spring were not unexpected by the Guardians.

Right-hander Daniel Espino and outfielder George Valera were optioned to Class AAA Columbus on Friday. Espino has thrown 18 1/3 innings over the last two years because of shoulder and knee injuries. Valera injured his left hamstring early in camp.

A timeline for them getting back on the field is still unknown.

With 62 players still in camp and just 18 Cactus League games left to play, whatever cuts that follow will not be so obvious.

For instance, the Guardians still have 31 pitchers in camp. That includes 12 non-roster pitchers.

There are still seven catchers in camp. Which asks the question will they keep two or three catchers when they open the season March 28? Last year they played most of the season with three catchers.

There are 15 infielders in camp, counting non-roster invitees Kyle Manzardo, Micah Pries, Raynel Delgado and Daniel Schneemann.

There are nine outfielders, including Chase DeLauter, who was promoted from the depth club roster.

DeLauter and Manzardo have had two of the better camps offensively. Just where they end up by the time the Guardians break camp bears watching.

Some like it hot

The hottest races in Guardians’ camp are at shortstop and the bullpen.

Incumbents Gabriel Arias and Brayan Rocchio haven’t done a whole lot in game action. Angel Martinez, Tyler Freeman and Jose Tena are pushing from behind.

In the bullpen, the Guardians have three openings, two caused by injuries to Trevor Stephan and James Karinchak. They could carry as many as two middle/long/spot starter types until Stephan or Karinchak return.

The candidates to fill those jobs could circle the infield at Goodyear Ballpark two or three times.

There’s also an interesting race in center field where Myles Straw, Estevan Florial, Freeman and Ramon Laureano are competing.

Friday’s game

Tanner Bibee pitched three scoreless innings and Jose Ramirez hit his second homer of the spring as the Guardians beat the White Sox, 2-1.

Bibee walked the first two batters he faced, but didn’t allow a baserunner after that. Bo Naylor gave Bibee a 1-0 lead with an RBI single in the second. Andres Gimenez, who is still getting hit by pitches, stole second base after getting drilled an scored on Naylor’s bouncer into center.

The Guardians are 4-8-1 this spring.

Saturday’s game

LHP Logan Allen will face the Angels on Saturday at 3:05 p.m. ET at Goodyear Ballpark. Bally Sports Great Lakes and WTAM will carry the game.

Xzavion Curry, Tanner Burns, Eli Morgan, Tim Herrin, Cade Smith and Tyler Zuber are scheduled to follow Allen to the mound.

Last year Allen went 7-8 with with a 3.81 ERA in 24 starts for the Guards. He opened the year at Class AAA Columbus, but made his big-league debut on April 23, pitching six innings of one-run ball against the Marlins. He struck out eight, walked one and allowed five hits.

This will be Allen’s second start of the spring. On March 3 he threw two scoreless inning in a 6-5 loss to the Cubs.

What’s next

Here are Cleveland’s next five games following Saturday’s game against the Angels.

@Cincinnati at Goodyear Ballpark on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET. cleguardians.com will carry the game. Gavin Williams is scheduled to start for Cleveland.

Dodgers @Goodyear Ballpark on Monday at 4:05 p.m. ET. Bally Sports Great Lakes and WTAM are not scheduled to carry the game. Triston McKenzie is scheduled to start for Cleveland.

@Texas on Tuesday at 4:05 p.m. WTAM will carry the game between at Surprise Stadium against the Rangers. Shane Bieber is scheduled to start for Cleveland.

Cubs @Goodyear Ballpark on Wednesday at 4:05 p.m. The game will be carried on cleguardians.com webcast.

Rockies @Goodyear Ballpark on Thursday at 4:05 p.m. WTAM will carry the game.

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GUARDIANS

Answers needed ASAP at shortstop and in the bullpen: Guardians takeaways

Updated: Mar. 08, 2024, 8:20 p.m.|Published: Mar. 08, 2024, 7:52 p.m.

By Paul Hoynes, cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Spring training competitions can be manufactured or they can just appear out of nowhere.

The Guardians are dealing with one of each this spring.

Everyone knew the shortstop position was waiting to be claimed long before camp opened. Gabriel Arias and Brayan Rocchio were the favorites, but Tyler Freeman, Angel Martinez, and Jose Tena were going to get a look as well.

Through 13 games, Arias and Rocchio haven’t done a lot, but Martinez has done plenty. Manager Stephen Vogt says not to forget Tyler Freeman, but he’s spent most of his time in center field.

Martinez is hitting .529 (9 for 17) with two doubles, one triple and two homers this spring. Last season he made 56 starts at second base, 38 at third and 32 at short for Class AA Akron and Class AAA Columbus.

This spring, like Freeman, he’s being tested in the outfield.

There are still 18 games and 19 days left on the spring schedule to figure out who will play shortstop. The talent is there to find the answer.

The competition in the bullpen may be harder to solve because it was not expected. The Guardians knew they’d probably have to fill one spot in the pen, but one turned into three following the injuries to late-inning relievers Trevor Stephan and James Karinchak.

Stephan (right elbow) and Karinchak (right shoulder) will not be ready to open the regular season.

Not only do the Guardians need some velocity at the back end of the pen to complement closer Emmanuel Clase, they need at least one and maybe two long relievers if the starters aren’t stretched out enough by the time the season opens on March 28.

They have more than enough arms to fill the utility role. Ben Lively, Carlos Carrasco, Tyler Beede, Hunter Gaddis and Xzavion Curry have all pitched reasonably well this spring. Vogt and pitching coach Carl Willis are stretching them out like they’re starters, which should make the transition back to the pen easier.

Finding an eighth-inning setup man to replace Stephan and a reliever who can get a strikeout when needed to replace Karinchak is going to be harder. Scott Barlow was acquired in the offseason to help Clase and Stephan in the late innings. Lefty Tim Herrin has been getting a long look this spring. Cade Smith could be an option as well.

The core of the pen looks like this: Clase, Barlow, Sam Hentges, Nick Sandlin and Eli Morgan. Who fills the last three spots is going to be critical, especially early in the regular season.

[ I'm not going to count Franco Aleman out of that race just yet - need to see a few more appearance first ]

1. Looking good in the rain

Shane Bieber’s start on Thursday was limited to two innings against the A’s because of rain. Vogt saw enough to be impressed.

“Bieber got his pitch count up,” said Vogt. “He didn’t get the third up (inning) that we were looking for, but he threw 31 pitches in second inning. So he got the pitch count where we liked it.

“He was electric in the first inning. Pitching in the elements effected him a little bit, but he had good movement and his secondary stuff was very, very sharp.”

Bieber’s next scheduled start is Tuesday against Texas at Surprise Stadium.

2. Well adjusted

Ramon Laureano and Vogt were teammates in Oakland. Laureano, who signed a one-year $5.15 million deal with the Guardians in the offseason to avoid arbitration, is going to be pushing for playing time in right and center field this year.

In six games this spring, he’s hitting .417 (5 for 12) with one homer and two RBI. He homered in Tuesday’s 4-1 win over Seattle and hit a two-run double before the rains came Thursday against the A’s.

“Ramon made some adjustments this winter (with his swing),” said Vogt. “What is great when you make an adjustment like that is that you see results right away. It allows you to buy into what you intended to adjust.

“He feels good. He’s asking for more at-bats every day. He’s hungry. After playing with him before and seeing him now, he’s in a completely different start of mind. He’s excited for a great year.”

The Guardians claimed Laureano on waivers from Oakland on Aug. 7. He hit .243 (33 for 136) with three homers and 14 RBI in 41 games. For the year he hit .224 (81 for 361) with 18 doubles, nine homers and 35 RBI.

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Utility man Tyler Freeman (right) greets David Fry after Fry homered against the Padres in a spring training game last month. Freeman has made a strong impression this spring with his play in center field.

Could a surprise entry be Guardians’ starting center fielder in 2024? Hey, Hoynsie!

Updated: Mar. 09, 2024, 10:03 a.m.|Published: Mar. 09, 2024, 9:04 a.m.

By Paul Hoynes, cleveland.com

Hey, Hoynsie:

Why is Tyler Freeman getting so much time in center field? Beyond Myles Straw being sick, is there a chance that he would bypass Straw and Estevan Florial? Would that free up a utility spot for a guy like Angel Martinez or Juan Brito? -- Grayson, Little Rock, Arkansas.

Hey, Grayson:

You’ve been doing your homework. I don’t think Freeman is going to open the season as the starting center fielder. That doesn’t mean that down the road, if he continues to hit and improve defensively, something like that could happen.

Straw is on a multi-year deal so I doubt he’s going anywhere. Florial is out of options, but I’m not convinced that means he’s automatically on the team. Martinez and Brito are putting the pressure on manager Stephen Vogt and the front office as to who stays and who goes on the 26-man roster.

Hey, Hoynsie:

Has there been any kind of discussions about doing something to honor former Cleveland pitcher Corey Kluber, who recently retired? -- Frank Glen, Gardner, New Jersey.

Hey, Frank:

I talked to the Guardians and they have talked about a few ideas to honor Kluber this year, but nothing is concrete. I’m sure in the not too distant future the franchise’s only two-time Cy Young winner will be elected to the Guardians’ Hall of Fame.

Hey, Hoynsie:

It appears to me that the front office has put manager Stephen Vogt in a tough position. Estevan Florial has not looked good this spring, but is out of options, Then there’s Rule 5 pick Deyvison De Los Santos, who has to make the team or be offered back to Arizona. Will these two decisions keep more deserving players off the team? -- Don, Lincoln, Nebraska.

Hey, Don:

The majority of the players who may not make the opening day roster if Florial and De Los Santos do, have options. They can go to the minors and be recalled.

One more thing, it’s certainly not a foregone conclusion that Florial and De Los Santos make the opening day roster.

Hey, Hoynsie:

Cleveland had quite a few streaky hitters last year. It seemed like every time someone got hot, Terry Francona would rest them and the hot streak would end. I hope manager Stephen Vogt does not do that. -- Tom Hess, North East, Pennsylania.

Hey, Tom:

I disagree. I think Francona managed more hitters into hot streaks than into cold streaks. The thing I always remind myself of is that a manager knows his players better than anyone. He also has access to a river of analytics showing him how to put his hitters in favorable positions to get hits.

Hey Hoynsie:

I just returned from Goodyear, Arizona, and I got to wondering if spring training meant anything to the umpires? -- Cindy L., Strongsville.

Hey, Cindy:

Just like players, umpires need spring training to sharpen their craft. Most of the Cactus League games are officiated by big league umpires.

Reporters also need spring training to get their comas, apostrophes and declarative sentences up to speed.

Hey, Hoynsie:

Who are the top five Guardians players projected to start this year. How do they rank against the other teams in the league? -- Samantha Rospo, Canton.

Hey, Samantha:

I’m sure you could name the top five Guardians just as well as I could. I’ll go with Jose Ramirez, Shane Bieber, Josh Naylor, Emmanuel Clase and Tanner Bibee.

I think they compare favorably to the other elite players in the AL Central. But outside of Ramirez, Naylor and a couple of other position players, I worry about the Guardians’ ability to score enough runs to win.

Hey Hoynsie:

I have checked virtually every station and I’m not able to see where the preseason games can be watched. Do you have any suggestions? -- Hank, Seabrook Island, South Carolina.

Hey, Hank:

A limited number of spring games are on Bally Sports Great Lakes. WTAM is airing some of the games on the radio. I suggest going to cleveland.com and checking out the daily Guardians spring training breakfast post for what games are being televised or aired on the radio.

Hey, Hoynsie:

Could Carlos Carrasco’s role be that of the seasoned veteran in the bullpen like Bryan Shaw held? -- John Kyle, Westfield Center, Ohio.

Hey, John:

I’m sure that was one of the reasons the Guardians signed Carrasco. Like Shaw, however, Carrasco has to be able to contribute on the mound.

Hey, Hoynsie:

Do you think that the front office will finally allow the prospects who perform the best in spring training (Angel Martinez over Gabriel Arias or Brayan Rocchio for instance) open the season on the 26-man roster? Or will they continue to play the service time routine? -- Dave Bowers, Avon.

Hey, Dave:

If you make 26-man roster decisions based only on spring performances, you’re in trouble. Yes, there are cases where the Guardians manipulated service time, but there are just as many cases where they didn’t. Tanner Bibee and Steven Kwan come to mind in that regard.

Hey, Hoynsie:

I’ve been pulling for the Cleveland baseball club since 1959. But this roster reminds me of the 1970s when nearing a .500 record was a big accomplishment. Last season’s roster was a sick parting gift for the finest manager in team history and this year’s isn’t much better for Stephen Vogt. -- Mike Hoover, Port Clinton.

Hey, Mike:

I understand your concern, but when I was in Goodyear, I liked the vibe in camp. The lack of offense is a worry, but I think they’ll be better than people are projecting as long as the pitching can stay relatively healthy.

Like you, I grew up an Indians fan when a brush with .500 deserved a conga line down the middle of Euclid Avenue.

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Stats Highlight Key Concern With Gabriel Arias

By Andres Chavez March 9, 2024

Several Cleveland Guardians are fighting for the starting shortstop gig, which is entirely up for grabs.

Brayan Rocchio, Tyler Freeman, and Gabriel Arias are the main competitors.

Arias, in particular, could prove to be a good option if it weren’t for one small detail: he just can’t hit left-handed pitchers.

It’s odd, as right-handed hitters like him usually fare better against southpaws: they see the ball coming out of the pitcher’s hand a bit better from that angle.

However, Arias shows what the industry calls a “reverse split”: as a major leaguer, he has a .784 OPS against righty pitchers, but a horrible .356 OPS vs. lefties.

Things aren’t looking much better in spring training.

“#Guardians INF Gabriel Arias with the strikeout in the 2nd inning today vs a LHP is now (1-8) .125 AVG with 3 strikeouts against southpaws,” Guardians Prospective tweeted.

If he can’t hit lefties, that’s a problem: even while performing adequately against righties, his overall OPS is dragged down by his inability to hit southpaws, to .630.

Arias can run, field, and even has some power: he hit 10 homers in 345 plate appearances last year.

However, teams have picked up on his weakness and often put a lefty on him if it can be done.

If he ever learns to hit left-handed pitching at least decently, he has a chance at being a regular at some point, or a high-caliber backup or part-timer.

As things currently stand, however, it’s too much of a drawback for him to be the favorite to be the Guardians’ shortstop.

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FAQ: Guardians-Reds Spring Breakout (Sat., March 16)

40 minutes ago

On Saturday, March 16, the Reds will host the Guardians in Spring Breakout, a first of its kind exhibition featuring the top prospects in each farm system. Here’s everything to know about that game and this exciting new event.

“Any time our players get to play against good competition, in a game that could be a little bit in the spotlight, I think that's a good thing for their experience,” Reds manager David Bell said.

“I think it’s fun," Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. “They get to go start a game and it’s all prospects. It’s all people that are going to be there in the future. I think it’s a really cool event.”

What is Spring Breakout?

MLB Spring Breakout is a four-day event showcasing baseball’s future: the current stars of Minor League Baseball. The inaugural edition will be held from March 14-17 at Grapefruit and Cactus League stadiums during Spring Training. A series of 16 exhibition games will be played between teams comprised of each MLB organization’s top prospects, creating a new touchpoint on the baseball calendar that celebrates our sport’s budding talent.

What time is the Guardians-Reds game?

The Spring Breakout game will be Game 2 of a doubleheader for the Reds, with Game 1 being a standard Cactus League game between Cincinnati and Seattle that begins at 4:05 p.m. at Goodyear Ballpark. The start time for the Spring Breakout game between the Guardians and Reds is estimated to start at 7:05 p.m. ET.

The Guardians will also have a regular spring game this day, as they’re slated to face the Giants in Scottsdale, Ariz., at 4:05 p.m. ET.

How can I tune in?

MLB Digital (MLB.TV, MLB.com, MLB App) to view the broadcast or CLEguardians.com for the radio call.

How can I buy tickets?

Tickets for the Guardians-Reds game can be found here.

https://mlb.tickets.com/?agency=MLBST_M ... cher=false




Which position player prospects are expected to play?

GUARDIANS

Outfielder Chase DeLauter (No. 31 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 Prospects list) and first baseman Kyle Manzardo (No. 59) will headline this exciting list of hopeful up-and-comers. Fans have gotten a handful of glimpses of these two in Cactus League play behind the team’s regular starters so far this spring, but now it’s their turn to be the prominent stars in the lineup. Both are trying to prove that their talents can benefit the Major League team in 2024. If you haven’t had a chance already, you can get a front-row seat to see what two of the most exciting players in this farm system can bring to the table.




REDS

When you get a chance to show off in front of the big league coaching staff, you need to take advantage, and that’s exactly what shortstop Edwin Arroyo has done so far this camp. He’s demonstrated why he’s so highly regarded with both his glove and bat so far this spring. But instead of having to wait for his turn to take the field behind the Major Leaguers, Arroyo -- who’s ranked No. 67 in MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 -- is ready to headline a fun matchup against the Guardians alongside Sal Stewart (No. 6 in Reds’ organization), Cam Collier (No. 7) and Carlos Jorge (No. 8).




Which pitching prospects are expected to play?

GUARDIANS

Of the nine pitching prospects on Cleveland’s Top 30 list, five will suit up for Spring Breakout. The top prospect of this group is left-hander Alex Clemmey (No. 9), whose fastball tops out at 99 mph. Plus, newly drafted righty reliever Andrew Walters (No. 27) could show why many are expecting his rise through the Minors to be quick. Full roster can be found here.




REDS

Get ready to see Rhett Lowder, last year’s first-round Draft pick for the Reds and the No. 34 prospect on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 list. He's projected to see the big leagues in 2024 for a reason. His heater ranges from 92-95 mph with more sink than ride and an elite changeup to pair with it. Plus, the Reds Minor League Pitcher of the Year in '23, Julian Aguiar (No. 17), is one of the other hurlers in the mix. Full roster can be found here.

Why are certain top prospects not listed on the rosters?

If you don’t see a top prospect on your favorite team’s roster, it is likely because they fall into one of two categories. They are either still in big league camp and battling for a roster spot, or the player is injured or has an injury concern.

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Guardians score four late runs but come up short in 5-4 spring training loss to Angels

Updated: Mar. 09, 2024, 6:19 p.m.|Published: Mar. 09, 2024, 5:55 p.m.

By Joe Noga, cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Guardians rallied for four runs in the eighth inning but could not complete a Cactus League comeback Saturday in a 5-4 spring training loss to the Angels at Goodyear Ballpark.

Cleveland sent eight batters to the plate in the eighth, cutting the Los Angeles lead to a single run. Kyle Manzardo and Alexfri Planez drove in a run each with doubles against L.A.’s No. 3 prospect, righty Caden Dana. Eric Rodriguez scored Cleveland’s first run on a wild pitch by Dana, and Raynel Delgado drove in a run with a sacrifice fly.

Planez upped his spring batting average to .600 with a 1.500 OPS and four RBI in 10 at-bats.

Cleveland starter Logan Allen allowed a run on two hits and three walks in three innings in his second spring start.

Eli Morgan relieved Allen and served up a pair of home runs, including a two-run shot by Jake Marisnick in the fourth. Marisnick finished with three hits and three RBI in three plate appearances. Nolan Schanuel added a solo home run off Morgan in the fifth. Morgan, appearing in his fifth Cactus League game, walked a pair and did not record a strikeout.

Lefty Tim Herrin struck out a pair and allowed a run on two hits in two innings of work. Cade Smith and Nic Enright each whiffed a pair while working a scoreless inning each.

Tyler Freeman, who started at shortstop, collected a hit in three at-bats. Josh Naylor, who played into the seventh inning, added a hit and is batting .333 in 21 trips to the plate. Andres Gimenez and Austin Hedges each collected a base hit.

Daniel Schneemann continued his fine spring with a base hit in his only at-bat. Schneemann replaced Freeman at shortstop and singled off Dana in the eighth.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1766593173520834736

The Guardians fell to 4-9 in Cactus League play and lost for the second time to the Angels after suffering a 4-1 defeat Feb. 29 in Tempe.

On the mend:

Catcher David Fry, sidelined with an upper respiratory illness, was scheduled to participate in light workouts Saturday after spending four days away from the Goodyear training complex. Outfielder Myles Straw was set to run the bases on Saturday and take live at-bats in a minor league game after recovering from an illness from Feb. 29 to March 4. Infielder Micah Pries is day to day after colliding with a wall in foul territory during a March 2 game against the Royals.

Next:

Cleveland takes on Cincinnati on Sunday at Goodyear Ballpark in a game scheduled to start at 4:05 p.m. ET. The Guardians will be the visiting team and will send righty Xzavion Curry (0-0, 3.60) to the mound. The Reds will counter with left-hander Nick Lodolo, who will be making his spring debut. The game will air as a webcast on CLEGuardians.com.

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Franco Aleman



These pitchers could factor into the Guardians' bullpen soon

23 minutes ago

Mandy Bell

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- The bullpen is one of the pieces of this roster that has yet to be put together.

James Karinchak (shoulder fatigue) and Trevor Stephan (right elbow bruise) having to miss some time this spring certainly threw unexpected wrenches in any of the Guardians’ plans entering camp. It seems safe to assume at least three spots are up for grabs. Guys like Carlos Carrasco, Xzavion Curry and Ben Lively will certainly be in the hunt, but there are a handful of others who aren’t far behind.

There are a group of younger relief candidates who are just one step away from proving they’re Major League ready.

“It just comes down to them pounding the zone,” manager Stephen Vogt said. “We see it when they’re getting behind, they have to give in. That’s when they’re getting hit or they’re walk, walk, hit. But when pitchers with that kind of stuff get ahead, they put themselves in a position to succeed.”

Let’s take a look at three hurlers who fall in this category and could soon be joining the big league bullpen.

Tim Herrin

Tim Herrin has been in the Majors before, and is the most likely of this group to get there first again. With the extra openings likely to be available, Herrin could find himself with an Opening Day roster spot. But as Vogt alluded to, he’ll have to continue to show throughout the final weeks of camp that he’s able to get ahead in counts.

Herrin’s 23 big league appearances in ‘23 resulted in a 5.53 ERA with 12 walks and 32 strikeouts in 27 2/3 frames. In Triple-A Columbus, he owned a 3.38 ERA in 37 1/3 innings. He’s given the club a taste of what another left-handed arm could look like in this ‘pen, but he needs to take the next step to win the job.

Entering Saturday’s 5-4 loss to the Angels at Goodyear Ballpark, Herrin had allowed two runs (each on solo homers) in five innings. He allowed one more run against Los Angeles in two frames. Overall, he has walked one batter and hit another, but he’s also recorded seven strikeouts in seven innings. He has just over three weeks left to keep showing that he can pound the strike zone.

Cade Smith

The fact that Cade Smith is already on the 40-man roster is helpful for the Guardians, who may want to avoid designating players for assignment to fill out this bullpen. But he still has a little more to show before he earns that final promotion.

Smith was great in Double-A Akron last year, owning a 2.86 ERA with 13 saves, nine walks and 29 strikeouts in 17 appearances (22 innings). He struggled a little more in Triple-A Columbus with a 4.65 ERA, but still struck out 66 batters in 40 2/3 innings.

He’s been impressive in big league camp, entering Saturday with one run allowed in 3 1/3 innings with no walks and one strikeout. Against the Angels, he picked up two strikeouts and allowed a single in a scoreless inning.

Franco Aleman

Franco Aleman is the lone non-roster invitee on this list. A 23-year-old righty selected in the 10th round of the 2021 Draft, Aleman’s stuff continues to get better as he settles into a full-time reliever role. Once he was promoted to Double-A Akron in July last year, he didn’t allow an earned run in 24 innings. His fastball averaged 96 mph for the year, but reached as high as 101 mph on the radar gun.

But he didn’t have the same success in High-A prior to this, so the Guardians will need a little time to see that he can be consistent. So far this spring, he’s giving that indication, with three scoreless innings and six strikeouts. His best performance may have been in the ninth inning of a 2-1 win on Friday afternoon against the White Sox. In a save situation, he closed out the game with back-to-back strikeouts, a hit batter and one more punchout.

“I mean, that was fun. Holy cow,” Vogt said of the outing. “The fastball is real. The breaking ball is real. The presence. There’s a lot to be excited about with Franco. [Friday] was really cool. You could tell when he was coming in that he was closing the game. It wasn’t just 'Oh, I’m going to have to go throw an inning in a Spring Training game.' He took it very seriously. You could see that from his demeanor and it was really fun.”

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The Battle for Shortstop Gets Intense

Arias 16-2-3-0 a double 2 walks 5 strikeouts 2 stolen bases 188/278/250 528 OPS no errors
Rocchio 18-2-2-0 one walk 1 strikeout 111/158/269 1 error

of course there's also Freeman and Martinez. But Freeman seems to be ready for center field and Martinez has been playing mostly 3b and got some time in center yesterday too

Whatever happened to Miles Straw?

Cleveland Guardians Spring Training Prospect Report 3/9/24

ARTHUR KINNEY

MAR 10

Game 15 - Los Angeles Angels 5, Cleveland Guardians 4

STARTER

Jhonkensy Noel (LF): 0-3, 1 K -

Noel failed to reach base for the first time this month as he joined the majority of his fellow starting batters in a collective rough day at the plate.

EIGHTH-INNING RALLY

Eric Rodriguez (C): 1-2, 1 R -

The reserves were a different story, especially in the eighth. Rodriguez got the comeback started with a ground-ball single to left.

Daniel Schneemann (PR-SS): 1-2, 1 R -

Schneemann followed with a single of his own - this one a liner to right.

Milan Tolentino (2B): 0-1, 1 R, 1 BB -

Tolentino made amends for a misplayed caught stealing attempt earlier in the game by walking to load the bases. The wild pitch on ball four scored Rodriquez to get the Guards on the scoreboard.

Kyle Manzardo (1B): 1-1, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 RBI -

Manzardo made it a crooked number with the first of the frame's two RBI doubles.

Raynel Delgado (3B): 0-0, 1 RBI, 1 SF -

Even Delgado recording the innings first out couldn't slow down the second nine‘s momentum as Tolentino scored on Delgado's sac fly.

Alexfri Planez (RF): 1-1, 1 2B, 1 RBI -

Planez wrapped up the hit parade with the second of the RBI doubles.

OTHER NOTABLE RESERVE

Angel Martinez (CF): 0-1, 1 E -

Martinez's throwing miscue came in what was not only his first game of the spring as an outfielder, but his first professional game of any kind on the grassy part of the field.

ALSO PLAYED

Cesar Idrogo (PH-DH): 0-1

Lorenzo Cedrola (LF): 0-1

RELIEVERS

Tim Herrin: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R (earned), 2 K -

Herrin started his outing going four up, four down before allowing a pair of hits and a run. While the sixth-inning falloff was not ideal, it’s hard to get too concerned re: stamina this early in Spring Training - especially for a reliever - and his fifth was stellar.

Cade Smith: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 K -

Smith was impressive in his first full frame on the mound since last Friday against the Dodgers. While he will likely serve as the closer in Columbus for the majority of 2024, recent injuries mean that starting the year in a setup role further north on 71 isn’t out of the question.

Nic Enright: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 K -

Enright's eighth was equally as impressive, right down to an identical statline to Smith's.

DRESSED BUT DID NOT PLAY

IF Emerson Purroy

OF Lexer Saduy

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Ps Tanner Burns, Connor Gillispie, Bradley Hanner, and Erik Sabrowski