Run support woes keep Bibee searching for first 2026 win 

CLEVELAND -- The significance of pitcher wins is very debatable given they only control so much during an outing. That being said, Tanner Bibee has pitched well enough this season to have multiple wins on his ledger by now.

Instead, Bibee is 0-6 through 10 starts -- or what amounts to a third of his expected outings this season.

Bibee tossed his fourth quality start of the season on Friday, in the Guardians’ 7-6 loss to the Reds at Progressive Field in the opener of a three-game series. It was not enough to get him or Cleveland a victory.

Here are a few takeaways.

Bibee’s lack of run support

The Guardians have lost nine of Bibee’s 10 starts this season. Their offense has averaged 1.33 runs of support in the nine losses, which includes the one run they tallied on Friday. Rhys Hoskins hit a solo home run in the sixth inning.

Bibee ran into trouble in the second inning, when Cincinnati scored two runs after its first four hitters reached base. He settled in to allow just three runs on seven hits and two walks over 6 2/3 innings. It was the first time he pitched into the seventh inning this season.

“That's a good positive after that outing,” Bibee said. “It definitely was a grindy one, especially after that second inning. Definitely a good positive there.”

Bibee has been asked a few times this season about his lack of run support. He has consistently noted how his job is to go out and try to put up as many zeros as possible. In a way, his job is independent of the Guardians’ hitters. His run support’s fall since 2025 (4.79 per game) is glaring.

Outside of his rough outing on April 12 in Atlanta, Bibee has been sharp this season. He has a 3.04 ERA in 47 1/3 innings in his other outings. The Guardians need to start translating that into victories.

The eighth inning

The Guardians trailed, 3-1, heading into the top of the eighth inning. Manager Stephen Vogt called upon reliever Peyton Pallette, who was charged with three runs on three hits, including a two-run homer by Matt McLain. It proved costly because the Guardians trailed, 6-1, entering the bottom of the eighth.

Cleveland scored four times, but that only cut its deficit to one.

There’s a constant balance to strike with relievers' usage given the frequency of appearances. Even coming off Thursday’s off-day, Vogt noted the Guardians have guys who are running hot in the bullpen. He said the Guardians trust everyone down there in high-leverage spots.

The eighth inning was a down situation, but Pallette was tasked with holding the score. Had he done so, perhaps things could have played out different on Friday.

“It looked like he just wasn't super sharp,” Vogt said of Pallette. “We've seen Peyton be really good at times. It was just a tough inning. He hung a slider there for the homer. But I think Peyton's been throwing the ball well the majority of the time.

“That's his job right there. Come in and stop the game, keep it right where it is. And unfortunately it didn't happen tonight.”

Pallette has logged a 5.79 ERA in 14 appearances with 21 strikeouts and 12 walks in 18 2/3 innings this season. He has had some ups and downs, but his situation is more unique than other rookies given he is a Rule 5 Draft pick. He must remain on the Guardians’ big league roster for the entire season or be placed on outright waivers and offered back to the White Sox.

Meaning, as long as Pallette is with Cleveland, his development must continue at the big league level.

José in the two-hole

The Guardians maintained part of their lineup shuffle from Wednesday, as José Ramírez and Chase DeLauter made their second consecutive start in the Nos. 2 and 3 spots in the lineup. Ramírez went 3-for-4 with a double and a sacrifice fly.

Vogt indicated pregame nothing is set in stone going forward. Ramírez has spent the majority of his career hitting third (1,009 starts), where his .858 OPS is substantially higher than when he has hit second (.750 in 194 games). His comfort level matters.

Ramírez hitting second, however, could help jumpstart the Guardians’ offense early in games. He’s a greater baserunning threat than DeLauter, who has often slotted in the No. 2 hole this season. Consider this a fluid situation.

“Hosey's going to let us know, and I trust his judgment and what he wants,” Vogt said pregame. “He expressed interest in possibly hitting second, so I'll take that and run with him as long as we can.”