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 — and had an MLB-leading 43 runs with two outs. "I wish there was a magic pill. I have no idea," manager Stephen Vogt said. "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." 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. Shortstop Gabriel Arias (left ankle sprain) was in the clubhouse Thursday 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. Packing them in The Guardians had drawn crowds of 30,000-plus 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." Contact Chris Assenheimer at (440) 329-7136 or cassenheimer@chroniclet.com. Like him on Facebook and follow him on X @CAwesomeheimer.