Guardians Look to Complete Series Win — But Lose Ramírez in the Process
Sunday afternoon at Progressive Field is going to hit different, Cleveland. The Guardians conclude their three-game homestand series against the Detroit Tigers on Sunday, June 14. First pitch is set for 1:40 PM at Progressive Field, and it’s Kids Fun Day at the ballpark. The Guardians have already taken the first two games — but the series has come at a brutal cost.
Seven-time All-Star third baseman José Ramírez broke a bone in his left hand on a swing during Saturday’s 3-1 victory over the Tigers and will be sidelined for an indefinite period. That’s a gut-punch to this city. Ramírez had posted a .239/.339/.418 batting line through 314 plate appearances, with 10 home runs, 18 doubles, and an AL-leading 24 stolen bases. Today, this one is for JoRam.
On the Mound: Gavin Williams vs. Casey Mize
The Guardians send RHP Gavin Williams (9-3, 3.32 ERA) to the hill against Tigers RHP Casey Mize (2-3, 2.27 ERA). This is a legitimately elite pitching matchup, folks.
Gavin Williams — The Ace of the Shore of Lake Erie
The 26-year-old right-hander has provided consistent length for the Guardians in 2026, pitching at least five innings in all 13 starts and fanning at least six in 10 of those outings. He has been nothing short of electric this season.
- Record: 9-3
- ERA: 3.32
- Strikeouts: Sits fourth in the majors with 88 Ks in 76.1 innings, with a 3.07 ERA and 1.09 WHIP
- Last start: Struck out 10 in a 1-0 win over the Philadelphia Phillies
Casey Mize — A Dangerous Opponent
Don’t let the 2-3 record fool you. Mize pitched well in his most recent outing but got little run support; he carries a sharp 2.47 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, and 43 strikeouts across 43.2 innings in eight starts this season. In his last outing against Cleveland, Mize allowed just two runs on four hits across 6.2 innings with four strikeouts and zero walks.
- Record: 2-3
- ERA: 2.27
- WHIP: Under 1.00 — yes, really
- 2025 context: Mize posted a 3.87 ERA and 1.27 WHIP with 139 strikeouts in 149 innings last season
Series Context & Standings
Cleveland leads the current series 2-0, winning Game 1 on June 12 and Game 2 on June 13. Tanner Bibee delivered eight strikeouts in the series opener as the Guardians snapped a four-game losing streak.
Before this series started, the Guardians (37-33) had just been swept by the New York Yankees, dropping them into second place in the AL Central behind the Chicago White Sox. A series sweep today would be a massive statement. Cleveland holds just a half-game lead over the surprising White Sox for the AL Central lead, making every game — especially today — count double.
As for Detroit, the Tigers are fifth in the AL Central at 27-39, 8.5 games out of first place. The all-time Guardians–Tigers rivalry is nearly even, with Cleveland holding a 1,171–1,168 edge, and the Guardians are currently on a four-game win streak against Detroit.
3 Players to Watch
1. Gavin Williams, SP — Can He Continue His Ace-Level Run?
This guy is legit. Being one of the best pitchers in baseball has been huge for Cleveland this season — with Williams on the mound, the lineup doesn’t need to force anything. He’s the anchor. Watch the strikeout total and whether he can limit the hard contact that’s been his one Achilles heel.
2. Kyle Manzardo, 1B — Offensive Leader Without Ramírez
The Guardians will need to find a way to replace Ramírez in their lineup — and that may be easier said than done, as Ramírez has been one of the most valuable players in baseball over the past decade. That means more responsibility falls on young first baseman Kyle Manzardo. Through May, Manzardo was slashing .232/.xxx/.xxx with 37 home runs and 102 RBI. He needs a big day in the cleanup spot.
3. Gabriel Arias, 3B — The Emergency Fill-In
Gabriel Arias is expected to be called up from Columbus and take José Ramírez’s place as the primary third baseman — and the good news is that Arias should be a solid defensive replacement. How he handles his first plate appearances in this role will set the tone for the weeks ahead.
Recent Team Form
- The Guardians went 3-5 over the week-plus leading into this series, winning two of three at Yankee Stadium before losing two of three to Texas and getting swept by New York.
- Cleveland snapped that four-game skid with Friday’s 3-2 win behind Bibee’s eight-strikeout performance.
- A sweep Sunday would recapture AL Central momentum at exactly the right time — with a Ramírez-sized hole now in the middle of the lineup.
- Ramírez had 295 career home runs and 311 steals, leaving him just five homers short of joining the exclusive 300-300 club. That chase is now on hold.
The Bottom Line
This is a gut-check game for the 2026 Guardians. The best pitcher on the staff takes the ball. The AL Central lead is razor thin. And the heart of the team is heading to the injured list. Cleveland baseball has never been about one player — it’s about the collective. Today is a chance to prove it.
Game Info: Guardians vs. Tigers | Sunday, June 14, 2026 | 1:40 PM ET | Progressive Field | Guardians TV
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