Ben Lively Makes Positive Impression In First Guardians Start

Ben Lively pitches 5.0 innings in his first start with the Cleveland Guardians.

Apr 17, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Ben Lively (39) pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports / Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Ben Lively made his Cleveland Guardians debut at arguably the best possible time. He’s been rehabbing in the minors during the first few weeks of the season after catching a nasty virus that swept through the organization during spring training.

Finally, Lively was able to help out a Guardians pitching staff that is hurting and tired. He made his first start of the year against the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday night and he said it “felt great” to get back on the mound and he was excited to “get fired up again.” This showed in his final pitching line.

Apr 17, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Ben Lively (39) pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports / Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Lively was sharp against the Red Sox especially with it being his first big league start of 2024. He pitched 5.0 innings, gave up just three hits, allowed two earned runs, and struck out seven batters. There was also a questionable balk call in there, but Lively didn’t let it affect his groove.

Cleveland’s manager sure did like what he saw from his starter even though he was credited with the loss. 

“Lively was outstanding,” said Stephen Vogt after the game. “He threw the ball great. He was efficient, did his job, got us five [innings], and couldn’t be more thrilled with how Ben threw the ball. It was a great performance. Outstanding job by him.”

The bottom line is that the Guardians are going to need guys to step up and eat innings. Lively made a great first impression and showed with this start that he can do just that and it’s hard to argue that he hasn’t earned himself a spot in the rotation.