Cold Weather Forces Day Game Shift as Royals Face Guardians in Cleveland Series The Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Guardians are set to clash in a pivotal series in Cleveland, Ohio, with the first game of the four-game set scheduled for Tuesday. However, the matchup has been moved from a night game to a day game due to unseasonably cold temperatures, which are expected to hover near freezing. The decision comes as a precautionary measure to ensure player safety and optimal conditions, with the Lake Effect snowfall making the region feel more like a harsh winter destination than a typical baseball venue. The Guardians, currently sitting at 6-4 in the American League Central, are the defending division champions and have shown resilience despite a slow start to the season. Their offense has struggled, with the team scoring one or fewer runs in six of their first ten games. Star player José Ramírez, who signed a seven-year, $115 million contract extension last winter, is off to a sluggish start, posting a .154/.214/.282 batting line. The team’s recent additions, including Rhys Hoskins—a 26-home-run hitter for the Brewers in 2024—have yet to fully materialize, as Hoskins missed significant time last year due to a thumb injury. David Fry, an All-Star in 2024, has also underperformed this season, hitting .206/.269/.392 in 120 games. On the other hand, the Royals, at 4-5, are looking to prove they can compete with the Guardians for a division title. Their offense has been inconsistent, with a team batting average of .234 and a reliance on power hitters. Rookie Chase DeLauter has been a bright spot, hitting .313/.343/.781 in his first nine MLB games, including five home runs. However, the team’s pitching staff has faced challenges, particularly with their bullpen.#cleveland_ohio #kansas_city_royals #cleveland_guardians #gavin_williams #jose_ramirez
Guardians Move Tuesday Game Start Time to 1:10 p.m. ET Due to Cold Weather The Cleveland Guardians have made the decision to adjust the start time of their Tuesday game against the Kansas City Royals, moving it from its original 6:10 p.m. ET slot to 1:10 p.m. ET in response to severe cold weather conditions forecasted for the Cleveland area. This change comes as a cold front sweeps through the region, prompting the team to prioritize the safety and comfort of both players and fans. The decision was announced on April 6, 2026, with the Weather Channel predicting potential flurries or snow showers and temperatures dropping into the mid-20s. The Guardians’ move to shift the game’s start time by five hours is part of a broader effort to mitigate the risks associated with extreme cold. Outdoor sporting events can face significant challenges during such conditions, including reduced visibility, icy surfaces, and the potential for hypothermia or frostbite among attendees. By rescheduling the game to an earlier slot, the team aims to ensure that all participants and spectators can enjoy the event in safer conditions. The series between the Guardians and the Royals begins on Monday with the first game scheduled for its usual 6:10 p.m. ET start time. However, the second game of the series, originally set for Tuesday, will now take place at 1:10 p.m. ET. This adjustment allows for a buffer period to address the weather-related concerns while maintaining the integrity of the schedule. Fans who purchased tickets for the Tuesday game will have the option to exchange them for another eligible Guardians home game, ensuring that they are not left without a valid ticket for the rescheduled event.#weather_channel #major_league_baseball #cleveland #kansas_city_royals #cleveland_guardians
Cleveland Guardians vs. Chicago Cubs Easter Doubleheader: Postponement, Lineups, and Broadcast Details CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Guardians and Chicago Cubs faced off in a rescheduled Easter Sunday doubleheader on April 5, 2026, after their originally scheduled April 4 game was postponed. The Guardians had previously secured a home opener victory on April 3, defeating the Cubs with a home run from Chase DeLauter. The doubleheader began at 1:10 p.m. ET, marking the first time the two teams would play twice in a single day. The Guardians’ decision to call up left-handed pitcher Logan Allen added depth to their pitching rotation for the doubleheader. Allen, who had previously been on the minor league roster, was named the 27th man for the games, providing flexibility in case of injuries or performance issues. This move highlighted the team’s strategy to manage workload and maintain competitive balance across both games. For the first game of the doubleheader, Slade Cecconi was scheduled to start, as he had been set to pitch on April 4 before the postponement. Cecconi’s return to the mound was significant, as he had previously shown promise in the 2025 season. The second game would be handled by Parker Messick, who had been preparing for a potential start in the absence of a scheduled opponent. The decision to split the starting duties between Cecconi and Messick reflected the team’s emphasis on distributing pitching responsibilities effectively. The Guardians’ lineup for the doubleheader included key players such as Chase DeLauter in right field, Daniel Schneemann at third base, and Brayan Rocchio at second base. These selections underscored the team’s focus on leveraging their offensive strengths while maintaining defensive stability.#chicago_cubs #cleveland_guardians #chase_delauter #logan_allen #slade_ceccconi
Cubs' Doubleheader Postponed Amid Rain, Injury Concerns The Chicago Cubs faced a series of challenges as their scheduled doubleheader against the Cleveland Guardians on April 4, 2026, was postponed due to rain. The storm, which arrived in Cleveland on Saturday evening, disrupted the team’s plans for the traditional twin bill, originally set to begin at 12:10 p.m. CT on Sunday at Progressive Field. The postponement provided the Cubs additional time to evaluate their pitching options for the rescheduled games, which would feature righty Edward Cabrera in Game 1 and lefty Shota Imanaga in Game 2. The Cubs’ rotation was already under pressure after Cade Horton, a key starter, exited Friday’s game early due to right forearm discomfort. Horton’s injury forced the team to place him on the 15-day injured list with a right forearm strain, leaving a critical gap in their starting lineup. Manager Craig Counsell has not yet officially named Horton’s replacement, but veteran Colin Rea is emerging as a leading candidate. Rea, who previously served as a reliever before being moved to the rotation in 2025, has shown resilience in his career, including a strong September 2025 stretch with a 2.63 ERA and a 1.17 ERA in three playoff games. To bolster their depth, the Cubs promoted righty Ethan Roberts as the 27th man for the doubleheader and recalled lefty Riley Martin from Triple-A Iowa. Martin, who participated in Saturday’s workout in Cleveland, added another layer to the team’s pitching options. However, the uncertainty surrounding Horton’s injury and the need for a reliable starter for the team’s next game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday complicated the decision-making process. The Cubs’ bullpen and minor league system also played a role in addressing the depth concerns.#chicago_cubs #cade_horton #cleveland_guardians #colin_rea #progressive_field
Chicago Cubs Face Challenges with Cade Horton's Injury and Prospect Development Cade Horton, the Cubs' prized young pitcher, suffered a right forearm injury during a game against the Cleveland Guardians on April 3, 2026, forcing him to leave the game in the second inning. The injury has raised concerns about his availability for the remainder of the season, with both Horton and manager Craig Counsell expressing cautious optimism. While initial reports suggested the injury might not require surgery, the team’s medical staff remains cautious, given Horton’s history of forearm issues. The loss of Horton, who was a key part of the rotation, has left the Cubs scrambling to adjust their plans for the rest of the season. The Cubs’ lineup faced additional challenges as the team’s opener against the Guardians ended in a loss, overshadowed by Horton’s injury. The game was postponed due to weather on April 4, further complicating the team’s schedule. With Horton sidelined, the Cubs are expected to make a roster move, likely calling up left-handed pitcher Riley Martin from the Iowa Cubs. Martin, who has shown promise in the minors, could provide a temporary solution as the team navigates this setback. The Cubs’ farm system has also seen notable performances from its prospects. Kevin Alcantara, a standout at Iowa, has been on a tear, hitting home runs in consecutive games and drawing comparisons to a “bona fide heater.” Similarly, Pedro Ramirez and BJ Murray have added to the excitement, with Ramirez’s breakout season at Double-A and Murray’s recent contributions. James Triantos and Jefferson Rojas also made headlines with their home runs, though their performances were overshadowed by the team’s struggles in the majors.#cade_horton #cleveland_guardians #craig_counsell #iowa_cubs #riley_martin
Cade Horton Injured, Cubs Face Uncertain Future Cade Horton, the Chicago Cubs' right-handed pitcher, suffered a forearm injury during Friday’s game against the Cleveland Guardians, forcing him to leave the contest in the second inning. The injury has raised concerns about his availability for the remainder of the season, with both Horton and manager Craig Counsell expressing cautious optimism. While initial reports suggested the injury might not be as severe as feared, the Cubs’ medical team is still assessing the extent of the damage. The injury comes at a critical juncture for the Cubs, who had relied heavily on Horton’s performance to bolster their rotation. His absence could significantly impact the team’s chances of competing in the National League Central. The Cubs are now looking to Colin Rea, a promising prospect, to step into the rotation. Rea, who has shown potential in the minors, is being considered as a possible replacement, though his readiness for a major league role remains uncertain. Horton’s injury also complicates the Cubs’ plans for the upcoming season. The team had hoped to build on their recent success, having bounced back from a losing streak with a win against the Guardians. However, the loss of their key pitcher has shifted the focus to managing the injury and preparing for the challenges ahead. The Cubs’ front office is reportedly evaluating options for long-term solutions, including potential trades or roster adjustments. The injury has sparked discussions about the Cubs’ depth and their ability to sustain success without key players. Prospect James Triantos, who has been performing well in the minors, is being highlighted as a potential future asset. His recent two-homer game has drawn attention, but the team’s immediate needs remain centered on stabilizing the rotation.#cubs #cade_horton #cleveland_guardians #craig_counsell #colin_rea
Cleveland Guardians' Rookie Chase DeLauter Hits 4th Career Home Run in 3rd Game, Secures Victory Over Mariners Rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter delivered a game-changing two-run home run in the 10th inning, giving the Cleveland Guardians the lead for good and securing a 6-5 win over the Seattle Mariners on Saturday night. The 24-year-old, who made history earlier in the week by becoming the fifth player in franchise history to hit a home run in his first regular-season at-bat, extended his arms to drive a fastball from Mariners closer Andrés Muñoz beyond the left-field wall at T-Mobile Park. The blast, which made it 6-3, marked DeLauter’s fourth career home run and his third consecutive game with a long ball. DeLauter’s performance added to his growing legacy, as he joined an elite group of players in MLB history. He became the third batter to hit a home run in each of his first three games, following in the footsteps of Seattle’s Kyle Lewis (2019) and Colorado’s Trevor Story (2016). Additionally, he is the second player ever to achieve four home runs in his first three games, matching the feat of Story. DeLauter’s dominance in his early career has already drawn comparisons to some of the game’s most celebrated sluggers. The Guardians’ victory was built on a combination of offensive firepower and clutch hitting. In the ninth inning, Julio Rodriguez delivered a two-out, two-strike RBI single off Cade Smith to tie the game at 3-3. The Mariners’ bullpen struggled to hold the lead, allowing Cleveland to capitalize in the 10th. Luke Raley extended the Guardians’ lead with a two-run homer in the bottom of the 10th, and Connor Brogdon closed the game with a save, striking out Leo Rivas and Cole Young to end the contest.#seattle_mariners #cleveland_guardians #chase_delauter #andres_munoz #t_mobile_park
Chase DeLauter’s Homer Propels Guardians to 6-5 Victory Over Mariners In a dramatic 10th-inning showdown Saturday night at T-Mobile Park, Chase DeLauter turned the tide for the Cleveland Guardians with a towering opposite-field two-run homer off Mariners closer Andrés Muñoz. The rookie, who entered the game 0-for-4 with three strikeouts, faced a 2-2 count against Muñoz, who delivered a 96.6 mph four-seam fastball up and off the plate. DeLauter, however, capitalized on the pitch, sending it soaring into the left-field bleachers to give the Guardians a 6-5 win. The home run marked a pivotal moment in DeLauter’s rookie season, further solidifying his status as one of the most electrifying talents in baseball. The Guardians’ No. 2 prospect and MLB’s No. 45 overall pick now joins an elite group of players in history. He is the second player in MLB history to hit four home runs in his first three regular-season games, following in the footsteps of Trevor Story in 2016. DeLauter also became the third player to hit at least one home run in each of his first three-plus career regular-season games, joining Story and former Mariner Kyle Lewis. DeLauter’s performance in the game was a testament to his resilience and adaptability. Despite struggling early, he stayed focused and executed his plan against Muñoz. His home run traveled a Statcast-projected 365 feet with a 99 mph exit velocity, a feat made even more impressive by the challenging conditions. The game was played on a cold night with wind blowing in from left field, a factor that made the home run all the more remarkable. “Fastballs all night,” DeLauter said after the game. “Unfortunately, it didn’t really go my way for most of it, but I stuck with a plan and got a heater up and just went after it.#cleveland_guardians #stephen_vogt #chase_delauter #andres_munoz #jose_ramirez
Gavin Williams Set to Make 2026 Season Debut for the Guardians Gavin Williams, the Cleveland Guardians’ right-handed pitcher, is poised to make his 2026 season debut on Friday, March 27, when he takes the mound against the Seattle Mariners. The outing marks his first opportunity to validate the widespread optimism surrounding his potential breakout season. National analysts have long speculated that this could be the year Williams joins the Cy Young Award conversation, and his performance in spring training has only reinforced those expectations. Manager Stephen Vogt emphasized earlier in the offseason that Williams was determined to have his best season yet, and the right-hander’s focus appears to be paying off. The Guardians secured a win on Opening Day, and Williams will look to build on that momentum. Facing a Mariners lineup that exploded for four home runs the previous night, his ability to control the strike zone and vary his pitches will be critical to the team’s success. Williams’ spring training performance has been impressive, with five starts showcasing strong command and efficiency. He struck out 19 batters while walking just two, finishing with a 1.19 WHIP. His consistency in working ahead in counts and limiting free passes has been a standout aspect of his approach. Beyond the numbers, his pitching repertoire has also shown promise. While he has traditionally relied on his four-seam fastball, curveball, and sweeper, his usage of secondary pitches like the cutter and sinker has increased significantly. One of the most notable developments from last season and into spring has been the effectiveness of his sinker.#seattle_mariners #cleveland_guardians #gavin_williams #stephen_vogt #tanner_bibee
Guardians News and Notes: Cactus League Play Concluded The Cleveland Guardians concluded their Cactus League schedule with an 8-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Monday, March 23, 2026. Starting pitcher Gavin Williams pitched five strong innings, allowing just one run on five hits while striking out three batters and walking none. The bullpen provided solid support, with Matt Festa, Erik Sabrowski, Connor Brogdon, and Kolby Allard combining to limit the Reds’ offensive output. The Guardians’ offense was led by two home runs from Angel Martinez and Kyle Manzardo, with additional contributions from Chase DeLauter and Stuart Fairchild. Martinez’s performance has been a key factor in his recent inclusion on the roster, while Fairchild’s impressive exit velocity has also caught attention. Despite both players showing promise, Martinez is currently receiving first-team reps, suggesting he may secure the final roster spot. Rhys Hoskins was confirmed as part of the Guardians’ Opening Day roster, a decision that has been met with enthusiasm by fans and analysts. The team’s schedule for the upcoming week includes a 9:40 PM ET game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, followed by a 3:40 PM ET matchup against the same team on Tuesday. The regular season will officially begin on Thursday with a series in Seattle, setting the stage for a flurry of preview content and analysis in the coming days. The Guardians’ spring training slate has provided valuable insights into their roster depth and potential lineup combinations. With several key players making strong impressions, the focus now shifts to refining strategies and preparing for the challenges of the regular season.#cincinnati_reds #cleveland_guardians #gavin_williams #angel_martinez #kyle_manzardo
Cole Young's Three-Run Homer Propels Mariners to Early Lead On March 27, 2026, during a matchup between the Cleveland Guardians and the Seattle Mariners, Cole Young made a significant impact with his first home run of the season. The decisive moment came in the bottom of the fourth inning when Young connected with a four-seam fastball, sending the ball soaring into right-center field. The three-run homer gave the Mariners a 3-1 advantage, setting the tone for the rest of the game. The pitch that led to the home run was thrown at a speed of 96.8 mph, with a spin rate of 2393 revolutions per minute. Upon impact, the ball left Young’s bat at an exit velocity of 98.6 mph, traveling an estimated 367 feet before landing in the stands. The blast not only highlighted Young’s power but also showcased the effectiveness of the pitch, which had been thrown with precision and control. The Mariners’ lead proved crucial in the context of the game, as both teams entered the contest with high expectations. Young’s performance underscored his growing role as a key offensive threat for the team, particularly in high-leverage situations. The homer marked a turning point in the game, as the Mariners capitalized on their early momentum to maintain control of the proceedings. This milestone for Young added to his growing reputation as a reliable hitter, with the potential to make a significant impact on the team’s success throughout the season. The game’s outcome reflected the importance of such moments in shaping the trajectory of a team’s performance in a competitive league.#home_run #seattle_mariners #cole_young #cleveland_guardians #fourth_inning
