Guardians vs Cardinals Preview: Pitching Depth Faces Young Arms

Busch Stadium will hum on Wednesday, April 15 as the Guardians visit the Cardinals. The park smells like fresh cut grass and hot dogs, and pitchers look sharp under the lights. Cleveland brings depth with Slade Cecconi as the probable starter and bullpen help from Cade Smith expected later. St. Louis counters with Dustin May, hoping his arm steadies the young rotation. Both teams need solid pitching to win close games.

Cleveland leans on pitching depth with Gavin Williams and Tanner Bibee leading the staff, while Joey Cantillo and Slade Cecconi add innings. Cade Smith is expected to close games, which gives the bullpen structure. The Cardinals hope youngsters like Dustin May and Matthew Liberatore take steps forward, since no single ace carries their staff. Both clubs aim to get steady starts and limit big innings so games stay close.

José Ramírez remains Cleveland’s leader after a strong season last year when he hit 30 home runs and stole 44 bases. Steven Kwan brings contact hitting and Gold Glove defense in left field, adding speed on the bases. For St. Louis, Alec Burleson gives steady contact and middle lineup power. Note injured players: Gabriel Arias is on the Guardians’ 10-Day IL with a strain, sidelined until May 15.