Tanner Bibee Scratched from Guardians' Opening Day Start Due to Illness

Ben Lively steps in as Cleveland's Opening Day starter, while Bibee's return later in the Royals series remains possible.

Tanner Bibee, Cleveland's ace and recent recipient of a five-year, $48 million contract extension, was scratched from his first career Opening Day start due to acute gastroenteritis.
Ben Lively, who had a strong 2024 season with a 13-10 record, will replace Bibee as the Guardians' Opening Day starter against the Kansas City Royals.
Bibee's condition is improving, and he may pitch in one of the remaining games in the Guardians' season-opening series against the Royals.
The Guardians finalized their 26-man roster for the 2025 season by recalling outfielder Johnathan Rodriguez from Triple-A Columbus.
Both the Guardians and Royals, playoff teams in 2024, aim to build on their success as they open the 2025 season with high expectations.