Guardians Ready for Crucial Homestand Amid Player Performances and Challenges

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — The Cleveland Guardians, sporting a 12-9 record, kick off a pivotal nine-game homestand on April 21, 2025, at Progressive Field. They face tough competition against the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Minnesota Twins, as they seek to solidify their season performance.

One standout performer has been pitcher Joey Cantillo, whose changeup has proven difficult for hitters, with a remarkable whiff rate of 54.8%. So far this season, batters have swung and missed at 17 of his 31 changeups.

Meanwhile, Kyle Manzardo made history as the first Cleveland hitter to send a home run into the Allegheny River since PNC Park opened in 2001, contributing to the Guardians’ overall tally of 82 river homers. Manzardo has thrived this season with six home runs, surpassing his total from the previous year with nearly double the at-bats.

“Kyle ambushing the first pitch really robbed us of Hammy calling a river run,” the Guardians tweeted, showcasing the excitement surrounding his accomplishment.

The Guardians have a 3-2 record in five starts made by Ben Lively, facing formidable opponents like Cole Ragans and Paul Skenes. Logan Allen has also been effective, with Cleveland winning all three of his recent starts, where he allowed just one earned run over 16 innings.

In the lineup, Gabriel Arias has found his groove, registering four multi-hit games in the last eight outings, a notable improvement from his previous 23 multi-hit games across 145 starts. Austin Hedges showcases plate discipline with an impressive average of 4.46 pitches per plate appearance, which would rank third in the American League if he met the required plate appearance threshold.

The Guardians have experienced fewer close games this season, with only six games decided by one or two runs, down from 49% last year. As they gear up for a challenging homestand, they aim to capitalize on their offensive and pitching strategies.

“When you’re in the zone with multiple pitches, it doesn’t allow the hitter to eliminate as much as they would like to,” catcher Bo Naylor said about dealing with Cantillo’s effective pitching.

Meanwhile, Triston McKenzie struggles to find his footing in the bullpen, logging just 5 2/3 innings this season. “He still has great stuff, but his command must improve,” Guardians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti explained, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to supporting McKenzie’s development.

On the offensive front, Steven Kwan is on pace for over 30 home runs, currently hitting .325 with an .879 OPS. Kwan’s ability to discern the strike zone makes him a formidable opponent for pitchers. “He’s a pretty elite hitter,” pitcher Gavin Williams said of Kwan.

Defensively, Kwan demonstrated his skills with an impressive play last week, managing to convert a challenging double into an out. His coach, J.T. Maguire, expressed immense pride in Kwan’s growth and performance.

A testament to the team’s veteran presence, Carlos Santana reached a milestone with his 2,100th game, the second-most among active players. His consistency and leadership play a crucial role in stabilizing the Guardians’ lineup. Currently, Santana ranks sixth in franchise history with 218 home runs and is poised to continue climbing the all-time ranks.

As the Guardians prepare for the homestand, they are focusing on completing the season with strong performances and refining their competitive edge. The culmination of their efforts and strategies will be put to the test as they face off against three of Major League Baseball’s toughest teams.