Slipping away: Royals tie Guardians atop AL Central with 6-1 win on Tuesday

CLEVELAND, OH - It isn't just a trend. It isn't just a poor stretch. The Cleveland Guardians (75-58) have had a full-sized collapse over the past two months, squandering what was once a nine-game lead in the AL Central on June 25th to now being tied with the Kansas City Royals (75-58) for first place in the division. The Royals now own the tiebreaker over the Guardians with their 6-1 win in Cleveland.

Players like AL All-Stars first baseman Josh Naylor (.132/.246/.264 over last 15 games) and outfielder Steven Kwan (.192/.277/.293 over his last 30 games) have been key players in the team's freefall from first.

What was once a team with selective hitting, working the count and extending innings with walks and singles now could only muster just three times the team could make contact beyond the infield after the over two-hour long delay.

Players have been pushing more and more to try to break from their slumps and help get the team back on track, yet each attempt from Guardians hitters feels more and more like a wedge is being driven between the team that was once the best team in baseball on June 25th.

Since that day, the team has a 24-32 record as a team, including a 17-21 record since the all-star break.

Whether it comes in the form of hitters like Kyle Manzardo, Gabriel Arias, or George Valera or an arm like Andrew Walters or Doug Nihkazy, the time for trivial turn-arounds is over. The race to the finish line is on and the Guardians need the paddles to resuscitate this season.

What's Next?

The Guardians will start right-hander Tanner Bibee (10-6, 3.46) on the mound as they look to break the tie with the Royals. The Royals will counter with fellow right-hander Michael Wacha (11-6, 3.32). First pitch from Progressive Field comes at 1:10pm.