Starting pitcher's injury a major blow for Guardians

The Cleveland Guardians suffered a setback on Tuesday regarding one of their most consistent pitchers this season.

Right-handed pitcher Ben Lively, who has only allowed one run in 14 innings across his three May starts, was placed on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday because of a strained right flexor tendon, per the Associated Press.

Lively pitched three innings in Monday's 5-0 win over the Milwaukee Brewers but exited prior to the fourth inning when he experienced discomfort while throwing some warm up pitches.

While he has a 2-2 record thus far, that does not tell the entire story. Lively has pitched the second-most innings (44.2) of any of Cleveland's starters, only behind Tanner Bibee's 45. His 16 earned runs are the fewest allowed of any of the starters, and his ERA (3.22) is the best of anyone in the starting rotation.

Regardless of how long Lively remains out of the lineup, any time he misses is crucial for the Guardians given their lack of depth. Shane Bieber, the team's ace, has been recovering from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow since undergoing the procedure in April 2024. 

Lively's injury only adds to the lack of pitching depth for a Guardians team that is currently second in the AL Central with a 25-17 record. 

RHP Zak Kent was recalled from Triple-A Columbus in place of Lively. He has only appeared in two games this season and given up four hits across four innings pitched with a solid 2.25 ERA.

His promotion does not entirely guarantee a starting spot in the rotation, but he could be someone the Guardians can use in certain situations to make up for the depth issues.

The Guardians have shut out the Brewers in the first two games of the three-game set with a chance to go for the sweep on Wednesday. Sustaining that momentum could be difficult without Lively in the rotation, so getting him back as soon as possible is key for Cleveland as it tries to move past its injuries.