Guardians notes: Offense clicking on heels of 10-game losing skid

CLEVELAND — The offensive turnaround has been remarkable for the Guardians, who looked dead in the water during a 10-game losing skid that saw them shut out five times. Since then, Cleveland had scored more runs (78) than any team in the majors through Wednesday, going 11-2 while averaging six runs per game. The Guardians have been efficient with runners in scoring position during the successful span — .272 through Wednesday after hitting .059 during the losing streak — especially with two outs (MLB-leading 43 runs). "I wish there was a magic pill. I have no idea," manager Stephen Vogt said of the explanation for the offensive resurgence. "I think what it looks like is over the last few weeks, our guys, we've been talking about it all year and we've been doing it well at times, not well at times, but our guys right now are hunting the plan. They're sticking to the plan that the hitting team is giving them for each pitcher and really hitting with two outs and with men in scoring position. "It's taking what the pitcher gives you. Your job is to hit outfield grass, however that may happen. It's not to drive the ball in the gap and drive everybody in. Have that guy touch home plate. It doesn't matter how you do it, change the score, whatever mantra you want to give yourself, but your job is not to drive everyone in. It's keep the line moving. And our guys have been doing that." Left fielder Steven Kwan has been one of the Guardians' best hitters in the clutch, entering Thursday batting .303 with runners in scoring position. "It's just taking at-bats with a team-first approach, not giving in, battling and just trusting them behind you to get the job done," Kwan said. Doctor's office Vogt said right-hander Shane Bieber's next rehab start is scheduled for Sunday, likely at Triple-A Columbus. He is coming off a three-inning outing Tuesday at Class A Lake County and is expected to work four innings (50-55 pitches) this time around. + Shortstop Gabriel Arias (left ankle sprain) was in the clubhouse prior to Thursday's series finale against Baltimore and is expected to be activated from the injured list sometime this weekend. Arias has been sidelined since June 30 and replaced by the opening day starter at short, Brayan Rocchio, who has found his hitting stroke since being recalled, entering Thursday hitting .288 in 18 games since July 1. Arias might move back to second base, where he began the season as the starter. Rest up First baseman Carlos Santana got the day off, while Jose Ramirez was at DH for the series finale against the Orioles. (Santana's) played six in a row at first and it's going to be hot (Thursday) and then hot in Kansas City (Friday through Sunday)," Vogt said. "Give (Ramirez) a DH day. He's played six in a row at third as well. Just have to be mindful in the middle of these 13 games of getting people off their feet." Next up The Guardians are on the road for a three-game series against the Royals, which begins Friday night at 8:10, before returning home for three-game series against the Rockies and Twins. RHP Gavin Williams (6-4, 3.54 ERA) opens the set, opposing RHP Michael Wacha (4-9, 3.62), while RHP Tanner Bibee (6-9, 4.27) goes for Cleveland on Saturday (7:15 p.m. against LHP Kris Bubic (8-6, 2.38). LHP Joey Cantillo (2-0, 3.91) starts for the Guardians in the series finale Sunday (2:10 p.m.), while KC counters with LHP Noah Cameron (4-4, 2.61). Packing them in The Guardians had drawn crowds of 30,000-plus fans in eight of their last 11 home games through Wednesday. "We love playing at Progressive (Field) in front of our fans," said Vogt, whose team entered Thursday with a 25-24 record at home. "We get energy from them and when there's energy in the park, we feed off of it. It's no question that we love playing at home." Roundin' third Guardians starting pitchers entered Thursday leading the American League and ranked third in the majors with 107 1/3 innings in July, averaging 5.65 innings per outing. … Slade Cecconi has logged six innings or more in four straight starts, accounting for the first Cleveland pitcher to accomplish as much since Aaron Civale in 2023. … Friday, 8:10, Apple TV+; WOBL 1320-AM and 107.7-FM, WTAM 1100-AM, WMMS 100.7-FM. Contact Chris Assenheimer at (440) 329-7136 or cassenheimer@chroniclet.com. Like him on Facebook and follow him on X @CAwesomeheimer.