News and Notes for Friday, May 23rd, 2025
The Guardians shutout the Tigers to start their big weekend series, 7-0.
Tanner Bibee looked sensational even in consistent rain, allowing only 3 hits and 1 walk and striking out eight in seven shutout innings, including this pretty breaking ball to get Dillon Dingler and end the seventh.
I also particularly enjoyed the return of untouchable Cade Smith, especially when he simply challenged Riley Greene with a 98 mph down the middle:
Carlos Santana continues to show we should simply not pay attention to his Aprils, as he has a 167 wRC+ in May after a 71 wRC+ in April had many ready to DFA him:
And, Angel Martinez says “Who cares about that lagging .262 xWOBA and 43% out-of-zone-swing rate”? Pulling fly balls like this is the way to beat the expected number allegations:
Someone asked me how many pitches Angel sees per plate appearance. The answer is 3.68 pitches. That’s actually more than I’d thought. For example, Gabriel Arias has seen 3.66 pitches per plate appearance. Martinez displayed better patience in the minors, however, so I think if he pushes his pitches per plate appearance closer to 4.
It was a good win, and I now I go back to stressing about winning one of these Slade Cecconi or Luis Ortiz starts before the Logan Allen vs. Tarik Skubal matchup for the ages on Sunday.
Yesterday was also quite exciting for the purpose of seeing Chase DeLauter at long last make his way to the Clippers this year:
I spy with my little eye… pic.twitter.com/aXVQfJGFL5
— Columbus Clippers (@CLBClippers) May 22, 2025
It was also nice to see George Valera, Jaison Chourio, and Angel Genao have great games rehabbing in the Arizona Complex league. Here’s their highlighted box score from the always excellent Justin Lada of Waiting for Next Year and Locked on Guardians.
A very good sight to see, #Guardians prospect fans. pic.twitter.com/Jwiq2W8Ckr
— Justin L. (jlbaseball on bluesky) (@JL_Baseball) May 23, 2025
Between all this and David Fry in Akron, the cavalry is on its way.
Check out the latest Disgusting Baseball Podcast with Tommy Pecoraro and I as we discuss the big win and other current Guardians’ storylines.
Make sure to check out CtC user DelGua’s latest mock draft here. DelGua does a great job on these.
In case you’ve missed it, user M.crescibene is doing an amazing job with FanPosts. Here’s one of his creative efforts.
AROUND MLB:
The Rockies have won 8 out of 50 games and are on pace to win only 26 games this season.