Guardians notes: Cleveland planning on skipping Logan Allen in rotation before postponement

CLEVELAND — Logan Allen has struggled at the beginning of games, posting a 6.75 ERA in the first two innings of his outings. So the Guardians felt like it might be a better idea to bring in the left-hander later in the game, which is why — prior to the postponement — they planned on skipping him in the rotation for the first time Wednesday night and starting reliever Nick Sandlin as an opener against the Royals. Allen was available out of the bullpen and expected to follow Sandlin. "We just got together and we were talking about strategies to win (Wednesday) night's game, and just looking at our roster and how to go about navigating one single game," manager Stephen Vogt said. "We thought having Nick start the game would give us the best opportunity." It appears Allen will return to the rotation on a normal basis Friday to start the series opener in Miami. Allen has been inconsistent thus far overall, posting a 6-3 record and 5.83 ERA over 12 starts, with a 1.551 WHIP and 51 strikeouts in 58 2/3 innings. He's allowed four runs or more five times. Of the 38 earned runs Allen has allowed, 18 have come within the first two innings. He has allowed 26 of his 71 hits and four of his 12 homers within the first two innings. Doctor's office Right-hander Gavin Williams made his second rehab start for Triple-A Columbus on Tuesday, allowing three runs on three hits and two walks, while striking out five over 2 1/3 innings. He threw 46 pitches, 29 for strikes. "The velo was really good, stuff looked good, and again, we're building up his pitch count so he can get to the progression we need," Vogt said. "It sounded like he threw the ball well." Centering in Vogt planned to start rookie middle infielder Daniel Schneemann in center Wednesday, despite him playing sparingly in the outfield at Triple-A, and giving Tyler Freeman the night off. "He's a really good athlete," Vogt said of Schneemann. "We saw him a couple times in spring training go out there. He's comfortable out there. He looks good, just trying to get his feet wet, getting him in there. He's not going to play every day. "I trust him anywhere he goes on the field because of what I've heard from our (player development) group, because of the development that he's had and the reports that I get. So, 100 percent confident in him out there." Risky venture MLB has already seen multiple suspensions for gambling this season, but Vogt said he doesn't need to reinforce a warning to his players. "I don't think they need to hear anything from me," Vogt said. "There's enough talk going on around in the clubhouse about it. It's something that we know from the very beginning of the year, that in a world where we get to play this beautiful game and we're immersed in it, that's an absolute no-no. "I don't know all the details of what happened. I haven't read anything on it. It's unfortunate to hear, but yeah, I don't think there's anything we need to tell our guys." Roundin' third Cleveland has posted 40 wins over its first 60 games for just the fourth time in franchise history. The three previous teams to reach the mark all qualified for the postseason — 1990 (40-20, division champ), 1995 (42-18, AL champs) and 1954 (42-18, AL champs). The Guardians' bullpen is riding a 24-inning scoreless streak. Closer Emmanuel Clase recorded his 129th career save Tuesday, tying Doug Jones (1986-91, '98) for third all time. Thursday, 1:10, BSGL, MLB Network; WEOL 930-AM and 100.3-FM, WTAM 1100-AM. Bibee (4-1, 3.74) vs. Singer (4-2, 2.63). Contact Chris Assenheimer at (440) 329-7136 or cassenheimer@chroniclet.com. Like him on Facebook and follow him @CAwesomeheimer on Twitter.