The Cleveland Guardians (37-40, 37-40 RL, 29-44-4 O/U) and the Kansas City Royals (22-56, 26-52 RL, 35-42-1 O/U) open a three-game AL Central series on Tuesday evening. The Guardians will send Gavin Williams to the mound. The Royals will reply with Brady Singer. The Guardians won last year’s season series 12-7.
Gavin Williams will make his second career start on Tuesday. Williams had a bit of trouble in his MLB debut last week, conceding four runs including one home run in 5.2 innings against the Athletics, resulting in a no-decision in a game the Guardians won. The rookie posted great numbers in the minor leagues, recording a stellar 2.39 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP accompanied by a 4-2 record in 60 innings. Williams is the Guardians' top prospect.
Cleveland is opening a six-game road trek in this game. They issued a three-game sweep against the A’s last week but dropped two of three home bouts against the Brewers this week, scoring only nine runs in the series. The Guardians are in contention in the AL Central, standing only two games out. They are 6-4 in their last ten clashes.
I t's really a darn shame this guy isn't an All-Star finalist because he deserved to be and the numbers show it.
Josh Naylor has been unstoppable.#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/fv1OFi9YYG
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) June 25, 2023
Jose Ramirez often carries this offense and is delivering this month, posting a remarkable 17 RBIs and a 1.06 OPS in June. The 30-year-old star now has 46 RBIs and an .872 OPS on the season. Ramirez collected a ridiculous 21 RBIs and a dazzling 1.037 OPS against the Royals last season.
Cleveland is scoring an average of 3.92 runs per game, ranking them 17th. The pitching staff has posted a 3.84 team ERA, good for eighth.