CHICAGO — The Cleveland Guardians have reached the midpoint of their season at 42-39. Chase DeLauter enjoyed a historic home run barrage in the opening week. Parker Messick nearly pitched the club’s first no-hitter in 45 years. Three different hitters suffered bone breaks in a span of 90 minutes. It was a kooky first 81 games. Here are the numbers that stand out at the halfway point:3.73: ERA for Cleveland’s starting pitchersThat ranks fifth in the league. Once again, the rotation is the Guardians’ backbone.Who would have thought the club would need only five starters to survive the first half, the only team that’s been so fortunate? The Guardians know they’re short on starting depth, which is, in part, why they’ve been careful with pitch counts. Beyond the Fab Five, here’s their depth, now that prospect Khal Stephen is headed to visit the dreaded Dr. Tommy John (Keith Meister):1. Logan Allen
2. Austin Peterson
3. An open tryout for fans at the speed pitch booth on the Progressive Field concourseWho would have thought Tanner Bibee would have a lower ERA than Gavin Williams at the halfway point, given how their seasons began?
A tale of two starters Bibee's ERAWilliams' ERAApril 136.382.04June 14.573.07June 263.783.82
