Tanner Bibee, the star pitcher for the Guardians, had to leave Cleveland’s game against Detroit after pitching five innings due to leg cramps on Wednesday.
Bibee stepped onto the pitcher’s mound to start the sixth inning, but he grimaced in discomfort while getting ready to throw his warmup pitches. He spent some time stretching and applying pressure above his right knee.
After talking with manager Stephen Vogt and a team trainer, Bibee decided to walk off the field, and Scott Barlow took his place on the mound. Vogt mentioned that Bibee has been dealing with cramps throughout the summer, though they usually occur later in games.
“Tanner is a competitive guy, and with the hot and humid conditions, we’re working to manage it,” Vogt said. “We’re all trying to find the best ways to prevent this from happening again.”
By the end of his five innings, Bibee had thrown 67 pitches and allowed one run from a Matt Vierling home run. This season, he holds an 8-4 record with a 3.50 ERA, having been the runner-up for the American League Rookie of the Year in 2023.
Cleveland has faced challenges with their starting pitchers this year. Shane Bieber underwent Tommy John surgery, ruling him out for the season. Triston McKenzie and Logan Allen, who began the season in the rotation, have been sent down to Triple-A Columbus.
