The peak point of frustration for me this 2026 Guardians’ season was their recent series loss in Minnesota. Now, the Twins come to Cleveland. Joy.
The Twins are 49-51 with a -24 run differential, sixth in wRC+ at 105, 29th in baserunning runs abover average at -6.1, 27th in baserunning runs above average -27.1, 16th in starting pitcher ERA at 4.39 (4.21 FIP), and 27th in bullpen ERA at 5.04 (4.52 FIP).
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The Guardians are 52-48 with a -12 run differential, 23rd in wRC+ at 92, somehow eighth in baserunning runs above average at +5.1, tenth in Defense at -4.6, seventh in starting pitcher ERA at 3.78 (4.04 FIP) and eighth in bullpen ERA at 3.73 (3.79 FIP).
It’s very important to put balls in play against a bad Twins defense. Surely, the Guardians good defense will show up this series. Surely.
Matchups:
Monday, 6:40PM: Tanner Bibee, RHP 3.90 ERA (4.82 FIP) vs. Joe Ryan, RHP 2.85 ERA (2.77 FIP)
Tuesday, 6:40PM: Parker Messick, LHP 2.73 ERA (3.29 FIP) vs. Probably Jack Anderson, RHP from Triple-A, 3.38 ERA (3.68 FIP) as a reliever in the bigs this season, but has beens starting in the minors
Wednesday, 6:40PM: Slade Cecconi, RHP 4.55 ERA (4.28 FIP) vs. Bailey Ober, RHP 4.32 ERA (4.68 FIP)
Thursday, 1:10PM: Gavin Williams, RHP 4.00 ERA (3.85 FIP) vs. Taj Bradley, RHP 3.85 ERA (3.98 FIP)
The Twins are led by Ryan Jeffers 162 wRC+, Byron Buxton fresh off the IL at 146 wRC+, Trevor Larnach 132 wRC+, and Kody Clemens at 116 wRC+. The Guardians are led by Chase DeLauter 123 wRC+, Austin Hedges 113 wRC+, Jose Ramirez (please come back) 111 wRC+, Brayan Rocchio 109 wRC+ and Travis Bazzana 108 wRC+.
If the Guardians somehow find a way to beat Joe Ryan tonight, I will start to feel excited again. Right now, I am prepared to again become super frustrated with this baseball team.
