The Cleveland Guardians head into Tuesday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles with the kind of urgency that comes from living on the playoff edge. At 73-72, Cleveland is clinging to a wild-card spot in the American League standings, and the margin is thin enough that every result feels like it could swing the whole race.
That reality only sharpened after Monday’s loss to Baltimore, a game the Guardians let slip away as the race stayed tight around them. Toronto also lost, so nothing changed between the teams directly behind Cleveland, but the pressure hasn’t gone anywhere. The Blue Jays are still there, and so are the Texas Rangers, the Orioles, and other clubs lurking a little farther back.
With that in mind, Cleveland’s lineup for the second game of the series is set. Steven Kwan will lead off in left field, followed by Travis Bazzana at second base. José Ramírez is in the three hole at third base, and the Guardians need more from his bat after what has been an underwhelming year so far.
Jo Adell will hit fourth as the designated hitter, with Nathaniel Lowe behind him at first base. Angel Martinez is set for right field and the sixth spot in the order, while Patrick Bailey will handle catching duties and bat seventh. Petey Halpin rounds out the outfield in center field and will hit eighth, and Brayan Rocchio is ninth at shortstop.
Tanner Bibee gets the start on the mound for Cleveland. The right-hander has posted a 4.06 ERA across 29 starts this season.
The equation is simple for the Guardians now: keep winning and stay alive in a crowded race. Even with the Blue Jays still breathing down their necks, each victory carries weight, and Tuesday gives Cleveland another chance to turn that pressure into something useful.
In Other News...
Browns Star Denzel Ward Just Sent A Big Message About Guardians Future
Denzel Ward is adding a new Cleveland hat to his collection. The Browns cornerback has bought a minority ownership stake in the Guardians, putting him alongside fellow NFL player Travis Kelce in a group that continues to grow as the franchise works through an ownership transition. For Ward, a Cleveland native, the move ties one of the citys most recognizable athletes even more closely to the baseball team.
The timing makes it notable, too, with David Blitzer set to take over controlling interest after the 2027 season. Ward said he is proud to be part of the organization, and the Guardians plan to honor him at Progressive Field, a fitting nod for a player whose connection to the city has always felt bigger than football alone. [Read more 🡒]
Guardians Outfield Crunch Is Putting Petey Halpin Under A Harsh Spotlight
Petey Halpin gave the Guardians a jolt on Aug. 21 with a 422-foot home run against the Rockies, a reminder of why Cleveland has kept giving the young outfielder looks. Since then, though, the offense has not followed, and his .150/.227/.150 line over 13 games has only intensified the scrutiny that comes with every start in a crowded outfield mix.
The challenge for Cleveland is that Halpin is not just being judged at the plate. The Guardians have been using him in center because Angel Martnezs defense there is limited, even as Martnez handles a corner spot and the rest of the depth chart stays complicated by injuries and fit concerns. With Steven Kwan, Jo Adell and Chase DeLauter also in the picture, Halpins role feels especially fragile, and every game in center is starting to carry a little more weight. [Read more 🡒]
Guardians Add Another Cleveland Star At The Perfect Time
Denzel Ward is getting involved with another Cleveland institution at a moment when the Guardians are trying to keep their momentum rolling on and off the field. The Browns cornerback, an Ohio native and five-time Pro Bowl selection, has joined the club as a minority investor, adding another hometown name to an ownership group led by Paul Dolan and David Blitzer.
Ward now pairs with future Hall of Fame tight end Travis Kelce in that group, giving the Guardians another high-profile local connection as they continue building around the citys identity. Ward said he is grateful for the chance to contribute to the community in this new role, a small but notable reminder of how tightly Clevelands sports scene continues to overlap. [Read more 🡒]