Tanner Bibee expected to start on Sunday in Minnesota, Sam Hentges experiencing shoulder issues

For a team that has experienced more than their fair share of adversity when it comes to starting pitching, the Cleveland Guardians were the recipients of some good news on Friday. Tanner Bibee is expected to take the mound for the fourth and final game against the Twins in Minnesota on Sunday.

Bibee was skipped the last time through the rotation as he was dealing with some shoulder tightness. Even though this was a concerning development at the time at the time, the fact that he was having his start pushed back rather than being immediately placed on the injured list was encouraging. If there was some genuine concern with his shoulder, the Guardians would not have wasted any time by taking a wait-and-see approach. 

Cleveland having one of, if not their best, arm rejoin their rotation could not come at a better time. The Guardians have experienced some issues with a few of their starters as of late, which only put more pressure on a bullpen that has been overused this season. Getting someone who is capable of going beyond 5 innings on a routine basis is going to result in less bullpen use and more frequent positive outings from their starters.

Now, regarding the second report on a Guardians pitcher. Sam Hentges is having some shoulder issues, and according to The Athletic's Zack Meisel, the outlook is not good. This is just the latest blow to Cleveland's pitching staff and for Hentges. The 27-year-old Hentges has only made a handful of appearances this season after appearing in 56 games last year, the second-most of his career. Losing a bullpen arm at this point in the season is never great, and that arm, being a left-handed one, is far from optimal. The Guardians have other relievers to turn to, but possibly losing someone as talented as Hentges for an extended period with the postseason right around the corner is not exactly ideal.