Guardians Starting Pitcher Looking To Build On Breakout Season

The Cleveland Guardians signed RHP Ben Lively a year and a half ago as a depth arm for their pitching staff.

However, due to injuries, the veteran quickly found himself with a full-time spot in the rotation, and he excelled in that role.

Lively finished his 2024 season with a 3.81 ERA, a 1.25 WHIP, and a 107 ERA+.

Heading into 2025, Lively knows that "last year's ceiling is this year's floor," and the righty is looking to build on his breakout season.

This year's spring training is already off to a better start for Lively than it was a year ago. He caught a nasty virus during Cactus League play, delaying his start of the regular season.

So far, nothing of that nature has affected Lively's ramp-up, and he already feels more prepared for the season ahead.

"It feels good [getting to build up]," said the right-hander. "Last year was like a blast off right when the season started for me. Beginning of the year it felt like I wasn't even ready for three innings, and then 'Bam! Here you go, you're starting.'"