Aaron Civale's Tremendous Outing In First Start Back From Injury

Aaron Civale pitched five scoreless innings for the Cleveland Guardians in their 1-0 loss to the Minnesota Twins.

If there's one thing that this frustrating season has taught fans, it's that the Cleveland Guardians will always have great starting pitching. 

There were many fears when Aaron Civale was sidelined by an oblique injury at the beginning of April. However, Logan Allen and Tanner Bibee filled that void and locked themselves into spots in the rotation.

Civale made his return to the mound on Friday night against the Minnesota Twins and made another fantastic start.

After missing almost two months, Civale pitched five innings of shutout baseball. He only gave up four hits and struck out four batters in his return. Civale threw 84 pitches and it's very likely Terry Francona would've left him out for longer if he wasn't just coming back from injury.

Civale did pitch into some trouble in the first inning but was able to get out of it just as quickly as he got into it.

This continues a trend of multiple good starts for the righty. Civale made two starts this season in which he gave up a combined four runs over 13.2 innings before being put on the IL. His season ERA is now down to 2.04.

Back like he never left.

Nice to have you back, Civ. #ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/3BEA3uTDv7

— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) June 3, 2023

After the game, Civale said this about finally being able to return to the mound:

"It was great. At the same time, the game is taken away from you. Unfortunately, I've had some experience with that over the last couple of years. Just glad to be back competing out there with all of these guys."

The loss clearly weighed heavily on the starting pitcher. Civale was obviously more focused on the team not being able to come away with a victory than his return to the mound.

Civale's start is important for how the rest of the season may play out. There are already rumors and speculation about what Shane Bieber's future in Cleveland may look like and how Civale performs may play a part in the organization's decision to move him.

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Read More:

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Guardians Lose Crucial Series Opener With Twins

MLB Executives Believe Guardians' Shane Bieber Will Be Moved At Deadline

Guardians Get Back Aaron Civale And Triston McKenzie, Cal Quantrill To IL

Aaron Civale To Make Return To Mound For The Guardians

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Photo Credit © Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports