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One more sleep until the home opener: Guardians breakfast today

Published: Apr. 07, 2025, 9:06 a.m.

By Joe Noga, cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Opening day is like a national holiday in Cleveland.

The air smells crisper. The sky seems a brighter shade of blue. There is an anticipation that hangs over the ballpark that simply does not repeat itself during any of the other 80 dates on the home schedule. It is special for multiple reasons.

And it is only one sleep away.

Tuesday’s home opener will be the 32nd in Progressive Field’s history, and will mark the debut of phase two of the ongoing ballpark improvement campaign that began in earnest immediately following the 2023 season.

New social spaces in left field will be available to all ticketholders, including the Terrace Hall that provides stunning views of the park.

The club’s team shop returns to its former location after spending last season operating out of a tent on the Gateway plaza.

New menu items in the park include the Guardian Burger in Collaboration with Gunselman’s Tavern and the “Big Mozz” mozzarella sandwich.

Ohio State linebacker Jack Sawyer will throw out the ceremonial first pitch, and the national anthem will be performed by the Cleveland Orchestra strings. Guardians employees and their families will stretch the giant American Flag across the outfield during the pregame lineup introductions.

The National Weather Service is calling for a high of 35 degrees at game time under partly cloudy skies. So, dress warmly and arrive early. There is a Cavaliers game that tips at 7 p.m. at Rocket Arena, which should complicate traffic and parking around the stadium.

Breakfast and trivia

The Guardians’ most frequent opponent in home openers is the White Sox. How many times has Cleveland opened its home schedule against Chicago? Answer below.

Next

Tuesday: Guardians home opener vs. White Sox 4:10 p.m. EDT. RHP Ben Lively (0-1, 6.75) vs. RHP Shane Smith (0-0, 3.18). CLEGuardians.TV, WTAM/1100 and WMMS will carry the game.

Wednesday: Guardians vs. White Sox 6:10 p.m. EDT. LHP Logan Allen (0-1, 6.75) vs. RHP Sean Burke (1-1, 5.23). CLEGuardians.TV, WTAM/1100 and WMMS will carry the game.

Thursday: Guardians vs. White Sox 1:10 p.m. EDT. RHP Gavin Williams (0-0, 4.50) vs. RHP Jonathan Cannon (0-1, 3.12). CLEGuardians.TV, WTAM/1100 and WMMS will carry the game.

Trivia answer

Tuesday will mark the 25th time Cleveland has faced the White Sox in its home opener.

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Bruce Drennan Addresses Rumor About Emmanuel Clase’s Struggles

April 7, 2025

By Ernesto Cova

Not so long ago, there was no doubt that the Cleveland Guardians had the best closer in all of baseball.

That’s why it’s way too early to be worried about Emmanuel Clase.

Granted, it hasn’t been a good start to the season for the Dominican hurler, but we shouldn’t sound the alarms just yet.

At least, that’s how Bruce Drennan feels.

In the latest edition of his show, he claimed that even though some think Clase might be burnt out from last season, it’s too early to draw that conclusion.

Clase has made four appearances so far this season.

He has yet to record a save, and he has a 6.75 ERA and 1.75 WHIP with just two strikeouts.

He’s allowed three earned runs in four innings played.

There were some major concerns about the huge workload he’s had to endure over the past couple of years.

That much action can be taxing to any closer, so perhaps he just needs some more time to get back to full strength.

The Guardians signed Paul Sewald in the offseason, and while he’s been used mostly as a set-up man, he does have some experience as a closer.

Of course, it’s not like he’s going to take Clase’s spot altogether, but perhaps Stephen Vogt will want to give him a chance to handle those duties until Clase figures things out and gets his legs back under him.

This isn’t an ideal start to the season, but he’s certainly earned his stripes and the benefit of the doubt.

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Guardians Players Looking Forward To Returning Home After Rough Road Trip

April 7, 2025

By Andres Chavez

The Cleveland Guardians have to be among the most disappointing teams in baseball at the moment.

They haven’t looked like the dynamic, energetic team that made it all the way to the American League Championship Series last season.

After taking two out of three games on the road against the Kansas City Royals, Cleveland lost five of six to the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Angels.

With that nightmarish trip now over, it’s time for the Guardians to return home, recapture their essence and reconnect with fans.

The players, for their part, are eager to play at Progressive Field.

Cleveland will face the Chicago White Sox in a game that is shaping up to be among the coldest home openers in recent Guardians history.

“Absolutely, I’m looking forward to getting home,” Austin Hedges said. “This has been a long road trip. It’s not easy to start on the road. It’s not easy to play on the road. It will be great to get back to Cleveland in front of our amazing fans and start playing some good ball.”

Guardians manager Stephen Vogt also is glad to return home.

“It seems like we haven’t been home for a long time,” he said. “It will be nice to get in front of our fans again.”

It could be the ideal opportunity for the team to finally get going.

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