Cleveland Guardians more duds than studs as Twins take series

A perfect weekend of baseball would’ve left the Cleveland Guardians breathing right down the Twins neck for first place in the AL Central.

But with the Twinkies taking 2-of-3, Cleveland finds itself three games back.

Fortunately, there’s lots of baseball to be played and the Guardians are heading into a favorable part of the schedule with games agains the Reds, Tigers, Royals Orioles and Rockies awaiting. If there was a time to position yourself for a run this summer, this is the time.

Until the Guards resume play against Cincinnati at Progressive Field Tuesday, here’s a look at the weekend’s studs and duds…

1. Cleveland Guardians Dud: Aaron Civale

The right-hander’s career trajectory took a drastic turn for the worse following a finger injury during the 2021 season. Before that he was contending for the. Major League lead in wins. Now, his ERA sits at 9.76.

That figure is remarkably bad, as Civale was hurt in this series by giving up six earned runs in the opening contest of the series, a 12-8 loss Friday night.

Saw this stat from Cleveland.com’s Paul Hoynes: Last season, opposing batters hit .190 against Civale’s money pitch, a cut fastball. This year? They’re at a .323 clip.

2. Cleveland Guardians stud: Andres Gimenez

The emerging infielder lifted the Guards to their only win of the series with his extra-innings double in Game 2. Overall, he was 3-for-11 with three RBIs. He got on base an addition three times via base on balls.

3. Cleveland Guardians dud: Bryan Shaw

Game 1 was tied 2-2 heading into the bottom of the fifth. That’s when the Twins socked Civale and then Shaw couldn’t stop the bleeding.

He allowed five earned runs in his worst outing of the season. His ERA jumped from 1.69 to 5.91. If he does his job, who knows? Maybe this one ends differently.

4. Cleveland Guardians dud: Franmil Ryes

Reyes had an RBI in Game 2’s 3-2 win, but for the series, he was 2-for-11 (two singles) with three more strikeouts. He was supposed to be Cleveland’s big middle-of-the-order stick, but is slugging just .293.

5. Cleveland Guardians stud: Triston McKenzie

Dr. Sticks threw seven innings, allowing three runs in the series finale. It was a great effort, but the Guards offense went flat. McKenzie’s 2.97 ERA leads the Guardians.

Unfortunately, the rotation has an cumulative ERA of 4.70, which is 14th (out of 15) in the AL.

6. Cleveland Guards dud watch: Seven Kwan

Everyone’s new favorite player has three hits in his last 20 at-bats. He also has three walks.

Since May 9, his average has dipped form .309 to .281 and his on-base percentage from .396 to .377. For May, he’s batting just .208 with a .283 on-base percentage. After a sizzling start, Kwan will have to adjust. We’ll see how he responds.