Guardians Announce Lineup For First Spring Training Game

Cleveland Guardians starting lineup for their first 2024 Spring Training game against the Cincinnati Reds.

Baseball is officially back! After waiting almost six months, the Cleveland Guardians are back in action as they're set to play their first spring training game of the 2024 season.

There are plenty of position battles all over the diamond which makes the everyday lineups more and more interesting to look at.

Here's the lineup that Guardians will be rolling out for game one:

• Steven Kwan LF
• Andres Gimenez 2B
• Jose Ramirez 3B
• Josh Naylor 1B
• Ramon Laureano RF
• Deyvison De Los Santos DH
• Bo Naylor C
• Brayan Rocchio SS
• Myles Straw CF
• Carlos Carrasco SP

There are a few takeaways to make from this starting lineup. 

First, it's awesome that everyday players such as Kwan, Gimenez, Ramirez, and Naylor are giving it a go in the first game of the spring. It's unlikely they'll play all nine innings or even a full seven. However, the fact that they're getting live at-bats right away is a testament to their dedication. Not every team's top players would play in exhibition games this early.

Another decision by rookie manager Stephen Vogt that will surely open some eyes is starting Brayan Rocchio at short. Obviously, the position battle between him and Gabriel Arias is one that could last all spring.

Mar 14, 2023; Goodyear, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Guardians first baseman Josh Naylor (22) makes the play for an out against the Los Angeles Angels in the second inning at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports / © Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

It's wise that fans don't read too much into this day-one lineup. Yes, Rocchio is starting but that doesn't mean we won't see Arias in action at some point in this game. Plus, Vogt said earlier this week that they're a long way off from the final roster decision.

The rookie manager is just excited to watch everybody play and he's going to get just that on Saturday.