Patrick Bailey just showed how important he is in Guardians’ win over Tigers 

On Thursday, the Cleveland Guardians closed out a series sweep over the Detroit Tigers with a 3-1 win headlined by strong pitching. 

It also was the first “Patrick Bailey” game since the Guardians acquired him in a trade a little less than two weeks ago. 

Not only did Bailey smash his first home run with the Guardians, but he also went 3-for-4 in his challenges behind the plate while helping guide Guardians’ pitchers to a 12 strikeout performance in the win. 

Patrick Bailey finally provided the Guardians with something at the plate

While the Guardians’ decision to trade for Bailey made sense given Bo Naylor’s struggles, he came with some offensive struggles of his own (career OPS+ of 74 at the time of the trade). 

But so much of the value that he provides comes from what he can do behind the plate — a theme that was on full display in the Guardians’ win. 

Along with helping guide Guardians pitchers to those 12 strikeouts, he also helped Joey Cantillo navigate a laborious beginning to his start where he had to throw 47 pitches through the first two innings. 

But Cantillo was able to settle in and ended up needing just 51 pitches to get through the next 3 2/3 innings. 

Part of the reason he was able to wiggle out of trouble in that second inning is because of two well-time challenges from Bailey, who got a ball two overturned to strike two against Wenceel Pérez (who flew out) and was able to get Hao-Yu Lee to strike out looking via challenge. 

And that all came on the same day he provided his first big swing as a Guardian in the form of a 407-foot blast to right field on a chilly day at Comerica Park. Bailey got a 92.6 meatball over the plate from Tigers pitcher Burch Smith and didn't miss it, which exactly what the Guardians need from him. Put up competitive at-bats and punish mistakes.

Bailey entered the game 1-for-15 at the plate since being acquired by Cleveland.

Although Bailey will never have the kind of offensive potential as Naylor, he recorded four walk-off home runs in his time with the Giants and had both a walk-off grand slam and inside-the-park home run last season. 

But any offense from Bailey should be considered a bonus considering how well he does behind the plate. He picked up two Gold Gloves during his time with the Giants and entered play on Thursday having guided Guardians pitchers to a 3.43 ERA in the five games he’s been behind the plate. 

The Guardians went all in on defense and game-calling by acquiring Bailey to work in tandem with Austin Hedges, and it’s largely worked so far. 

There may be some point where their offensive inability will become a point of emphasis, but we’re not there yet.

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