The Cleveland Guardians’ pitching rotation is showing promising signs of revitalization, thanks to the infusion of some seasoned veterans. Alex Cobb and Matthew Boyd, both with significant MLB experience, are making a noticeable impact as the Guardians continue their late-season push.
Cobb and Boyd: A Breath of Fresh Air for the Guardians
Alex Cobb, the 36-year-old right-hander, was a key player in the Guardians’ recent 6-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs. Cobb delivered a solid 5 2/3 innings, allowing just one run on three hits. His performance marked his first win since last August when he threw a complete game against the Reds. Acquired from the San Francisco Giants at the trade deadline on July 30, Cobb has made just his second start of the season following hip surgery. His addition to the roster has been a breath of fresh air for the Guardians, who have struggled with consistency in their rotation throughout the season.
Matthew Boyd, 33, also made headlines with his impressive return. On Tuesday night, Boyd, who was signed as a free agent in late June, took the mound for the first time in 2024. The left-hander, coming off Tommy John surgery, demonstrated exceptional control, throwing over 76% of his pitches for strikes. Boyd retired 12 of the last 13 batters he faced in 5 1/3 innings, contributing significantly to the Guardians' 2-1 win. His performance not only showcased his readiness but also highlighted the Guardians' commitment to bolstering their pitching staff.
Guardians' Winning Streak and Playoff Push
The Guardians are currently on a five-game winning streak, with the latest victory against the Cubs marking their 72nd win of the season. This is a significant milestone, as they didn’t reach their 72nd win last year until September 17. The Guardians' ability to secure victories in crucial games is a testament to their improved performance and the effectiveness of their new pitching acquisitions.
In Wednesday's game, the Guardians managed to overcome a 1-0 deficit against the Cubs. By the fifth inning, they had turned the tables, leading 4-1. Steven Kwan played a pivotal role in this turnaround. With one out in the fifth, Kwan’s single down the right field line set the stage for Will Brennan to line a triple past a diving Michael Busch. Brennan’s triple extended the Guardians' lead to 3-1.
Jose Ramirez added to the excitement by delivering Brennan with a sharp grounder to first base for his 98th RBI of the season. Ramirez is now just two RBIs away from reaching 100 for the fourth time in his career. He’s also on the brink of a 30-30 season—30 home runs and 30 steals—something only three players in franchise history have achieved: Ramirez himself, Grady Sizemore, and Joe Carter.
Key Moments and Player Performances
The game against the Cubs was filled with thrilling moments. After the Cubs initially took a 1-0 lead in the top of the fourth, the Guardians quickly responded. Ramirez drew a leadoff walk from Cubs starter Jameson Taillon. Josh Naylor then doubled to right-center field, scoring Ramirez and leveling the score. Naylor's double was his 88th RBI of the season.
Andres Gimenez added to the excitement with a one-out single that drove in Naylor, giving the Guardians a 2-1 lead. Gimenez, who has been on a hot streak with hits in 16 of his last 21 games, contributed three RBIs during the game. He capped off the scoring with a two-run double in the eighth inning, further solidifying the Guardians’ lead.
Cobb’s performance was noteworthy for its resilience. He started the game strong, holding the Cubs scoreless for the first three innings. However, Seya Suzuki’s triple in the fourth inning and Cody Bellinger’s sacrifice fly provided the Cubs with their early lead. Cobb’s ability to recover from this and continue pitching effectively was crucial to the Guardians’ success.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Guardians?
The Guardians will take a brief break before hitting the road for a six-game trip. They’ll kick off with a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers starting Friday night at American Family Insurance Field. Gavin Williams (2-4, 4.38 ERA) is slated to pitch against the Brewers’ Aaron Civale (3-8, 5.02 ERA) at 8:10 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the action on Bally Sports Great Lakes for Friday and Sunday’s games, with FOX broadcasting Saturday’s matchup. Additionally, WTAM, WMMS, and the Guardians' radio network will provide coverage for the entire series.
In summary, the Guardians are making significant strides with their revamped pitching staff and continued strong performances from key players. With a promising outlook for the remainder of the season, fans have plenty to be excited about as the team gears up for their playoff push.
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