Cleveland Guardians' Pitchers Struggle in Early Season Starts

Top rotation arms Gavin Williams and Tanner Bibee face early questions after rough outings against the Seattle Mariners

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:03pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Cleveland Guardians' starting pitchers Gavin Williams and Tanner Bibee have faced early struggles in the 2026 MLB season, with both struggling to control the strike zone and giving up runs in their first starts against the Seattle Mariners. Williams walked six batters in his outing, while Bibee gave up three solo home runs before leaving the game with shoulder inflammation.

Why it matters

The Guardians were counting on stability and strong performances from Williams and Bibee at the top of their rotation this season, but the early stumbles have raised questions about their consistency and ability to lead the pitching staff. The team will need to address these issues quickly to avoid falling behind in the competitive AL Central division.

The details

In the Guardians' season-opening game, Tanner Bibee gave up four hits, two walks, and three solo home runs in 5 innings of work, though the team was still able to win 6-4. Bibee was then pulled from the game due to shoulder inflammation, raising concerns about his health. In the second game, Gavin Williams struggled with his control, walking six batters and giving up a three-run home run in 4 innings. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt acknowledged the issues with walks but said Williams' stuff looked good otherwise.

  • On Opening Day, March 28, 2026, Tanner Bibee started for the Guardians.
  • In that game, Bibee pitched 5 innings and was removed due to shoulder inflammation.
  • In the Guardians' second game on March 30, 2026, Gavin Williams started and walked 6 batters in 4 innings of work.

The players

Gavin Williams

A 26-year-old starting pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians who struggled with his control in his first start of the 2026 season, walking 6 batters.

Tanner Bibee

The Guardians' expected ace for the 2026 season, Bibee gave up 3 solo home runs in his Opening Day start before leaving the game with shoulder inflammation.

Stephen Vogt

The manager of the Cleveland Guardians, who discussed the early struggles of his starting pitchers in postgame interviews.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Obviously, the walks were the issue tonight. But I thought his stuff was pretty good, you know, they didn't hit him, you know. But when you give them free passes, I mean, we gave 3 runs away on walks tonight, and that was the story of the game...”

— Stephen Vogt, Guardians Manager

What’s next

The Guardians will be closely monitoring Tanner Bibee's shoulder injury and hoping it does not turn into a long-term issue. They will also need to work with Gavin Williams on improving his control and limiting walks in his upcoming starts.

The takeaway

The early struggles of the Guardians' top pitching prospects have raised concerns about the stability of their starting rotation to begin the 2026 season. The team will need strong performances from Williams and Bibee to avoid falling behind in the competitive AL Central division.