Tanner Bibee displayed a stellar performance on the mound, allowing only two hits over 5⅔ innings while striking out two batters and walking two. This outing marked his first win of the season as the Cleveland Guardians triumphed over the Kansas City Royals with a score of 6-2 in the rubber game of their series.

Offensively, Kyle Manzardo, Gabriel Arias, and Daniel Schneemann led the charge with home runs, while Steven Kwan went 3-for-5, contributing with an RBI and a run. The Guardians' early lead was established in the second inning and extended through effective hitting and timely scoring opportunities, ultimately closing the game with a solid victory.

Ben Lively is set to start for the Cleveland Guardians on Opening Day after Tanner Bibee was scratched due to food poisoning. Lively, a former pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds, will face off against Cole Ragans of the Kansas City Royals. His performance in 2023 with the Reds included a 5.38 ERA across 19 games, but he had a more successful stint with Cleveland last season, boasting a 3.81 ERA and 13 wins. This marks Lively's first Opening Day start, highlighting a significant moment in his career.

Tanner Bibee, the Guardians' standout pitcher, has been sidelined from his Opening Day start against the Kansas City Royals due to an illness. Bibee, who emerged as the team's ace last season and recently signed a five-year, $48 million contract extension, was expected to lead the rotation into the new season.

With Bibee unavailable, Ben Lively will step in to pitch for the Guardians, following a career year in 2024. This unexpected shift raises questions about the Guardians' starting rotation depth and how they plan to navigate the early part of the season without their top arm.

The persistent rise in arm injuries among MLB pitchers has become a pressing concern, with a recent MLB report highlighting the correlation between throwing velocity and injury rates. Since 2005, the number of injuries has surged, with placements on the injured list increasing from 212 to 485. This uptick is mirrored by troubling stats among younger players, where high school prospects throwing 95 mph or more jumped from 3 to 36 in just six years. The situation calls for a reevaluation of training practices at all levels. Cressey, who trains MLB players, suggests focusing on youth programs to ensure proper development and prevent injuries.

Experts emphasize the need for a cultural shift away from prioritizing sheer velocity to a more holistic approach to pitching. Coaches like Carl Willis advocate for traditional methods of pitching that emphasize precision over power. As the MLB considers potential rule changes to prioritize pitcher health, addressing youth training techniques could lay the groundwork for a healthier future for pitchers at all levels.