Guardians fall 8-5 to Mariners after McKenzie struggles

Cleveland, OH - When you're put behind the eight ball early, it's tough to overcome, and that's exactly the spot the Cleveland Guardians (44-26) found themselves in on Tuesday night in their 8-5 loss to the Seattle Mariners (44-31).

Guardians starting pitcher Triston McKenzie (3-4, 4.48) allowed four runs in the third inning, including J.P. Crawford’s two-run home run over the outstretched arm of utilityman Daniel Schneeman in right center field, and was pulled in the same inning.

Despite allowing four runs, McKenzie only allowed three hits, issued four walks and did not strike out a single Mariner in 2.1 innings. Following today's game, McKenzie and the Guardians have allowed the same number (15) of home runs in the 2024 season.

This is a much larger issue than one bad outing or one player, however. It comes down to wear and tear on the bullpen from the rotation's struggles in the month of June.

In 13 games in June, the Cleveland Guardians rotation has had one start go six innings or more. They have also had three games where the starting pitcher has allowed five runs or more.

Of the team's 51 runs allowed in June, the rotation has surrendered 38 of them (74.5%), while only pitching 62.2 of a possible 117 innings (53.6%).

While the talent is there, the lack of consistency from the pitching staff has led to shorter starts and more of a workload onto the bullpen, which has allowed seven runs in the last two games.

It’s clear that reinforcements are needed, but from where?

Gavin Williams is still on the injured list with a rehab start slated for Friday with AA-Akron. Even when he comes back, he will likely still have an adjustment period before he's able to pitch at his usual workload.

Xzvaion Curry has allowed eight runs in 12.2 innings pitched in three starts with the Guardians, and has a 7.24 ERA with AAA-Columbus.

Guardians prospect Joey Cantillo has a 2.16 ERA in 8.1 innings with AAA-Columbus in three starts since being injured at the start of the 2024 season, but has never pitched at the major league level.

Whether it comes from the starting rotation regaining its consistency, another pitcher in the organization, or even a transaction to bring another player into the fold, it's clear that the Guardians need more from the starting rotation.

What's Next?

The Guardians will look to Tanner Bibee (4-2, 3.94) to get the start on Wednesday against the Mariners, who will counter with right-handed starter Bryan Woo (3-0, 1.07) on the bump. First pitch at Progressive Field comes at 6:40 PM.