Guardians notes: Pitching coach Carl Willis pleased with staff's development

CLEVELAND — Guardians pitching coach Carl Willis can't express the gratification he's felt in watching Cleveland's pitching staff evolve this season. Coming into 2025, everyone knew there would be more expectations on the starting rotation to go deeper in games. Last season, the Guardians relied heavily on their stellar bullpen. Early on, Cleveland lost right-handed starter Ben Lively to Tommy John surgery. The Guardians overcame the loss of Lively and are currently operating with an unorthodox six-man starting rotation. The starters, however, have taken it to a new level as of late. "I can't tell you how exciting it is to watch these young guys grow," Willis said. "They are learning who and what they are at the major league level. We have to have patience and help these guys make adjustments." Right-hander Gavin Williams has arguably been their most effective starter. In his last two starts, right-hander Tanner Bibee has been outstanding. "It's been a frustrating year for Tanner," Willis said. "He continues to work to be the best version of himself. "He really spins the ball well. He can put guys in a blender." Young left-handers Joey Cantillo and Parker Messick have been impressive. "It's been phenomenal (watching Messick)," Willis said. "He throws one of the best bullpens and he takes it into the game. He doesn't back down from attacking." Cantillo spent time in the minors but after being recalled, he's been very good. He pitched eight shutout innings in his last outing vs. Kansas City. "To see it happen, it's so cool," Willis said. "This is their dream. Moments like that prove they can do it and is the most gratifying part of this job." The third left-hander of the staff, Logan Allen, has been up and down. Sunday's starter, right-hander Slade Cecconi, has shown flashes of brilliance. The Guardians could soon have another starter available in left-hander John Means, also recovering from Tommy John surgery. "He's a veteran guy who's done it at a high level," Willis said. The plan might be to activate Means off the 60-day injured list to start one of the games in the doubleheader at Minnesota on Saturday. Another starter, right-hander Luis Ortiz, was suspended by Major League Baseball, along with closer Emmanuel Clase, in a gambling investigation. Bazzana sidelined Columbus Clippers second baseman Travis Bazzana was placed on the seven-day injured list for left flank soreness. He was injured in Thursday's game. Bazzana, the Guardians' top minor league prospect, batted .225 in 26 games with the Clippers. Pitching probables Cantillo (5-3, 3.36) will start in the opening game in Detroit on Tuesday against right-hander Casey Mize (14-5, 3.83). Tigers right-hander Jack Flaherty (8-13, 4.69) will pitch Wednesday and left-hander Tarik Skubal (13-5, 2.26) will go Thursday. The Guardians have yet to announce their starters in Games 2 and 3. Skubal, the reigning Cy Young Award winner, experienced pain in his side after his last start but apparently is OK. Contact Bob Finnan at rfinnan30@gmail.com.