The Cleveland Guardians are a few days away from being forced to make tough decisions with the pitching staff. They've been without Triston McKenzie and Aaron Civale for most of the season due to injuries, but they're close to returning.
First up to make their return to the mound will be Civale.
Manager Terry Francona confirmed before Tuesday night's game that Civale would be on the mound this Friday as the Guardians take on the division-leading Minnesota Twins.
Civale was sidelined back in April with an oblique string after making just two starts in the young season. After the injury healed, he was sent to Columbus for a rehab assignment where he made three starts.
In those three outings, he pitched a total of 11.0 innings allowing six earned runs, four walks, and 16 strikeouts.
Losing Civale early in the season was a massive blow for the Guardians that opened up a revolving door of pitches to start for Cleveland. Plus, he looked incredible in his first two starts!
Ciavle was coming off an injury-filled 2022 but appeared to have that behind him. He only gave up four runs and four hits in those two starts while strikeout out eight batters.
Having Ciavle back with the team will allow the Guardians to have a lot of flexibility with the pitching staff.
----
Logan Allen Sets New Career Best Against Orioles
More must-reads: