Guardians Gimenez’s consistency key to his success
Andres Gimenez’s Cleveland debut didn’t go to plan. A year ago the infielder struggled out of the gate, with manager Terry Francona noting at the time that his swing had gotten a bit long, the tell-tale sign of a young player trying to do too much at the plate.
Gimenez was optioned to Triple-a Columbus, which was the first time he had ever played at that level. He returned later in the year and finished the season on a high note.
Gimenez has built on that momentum – and then some – in the early part of this year.
Gimenez entered Sunday hitting .326 with a .906 OPS, four home runs, five doubles, two triples and 20 RBIS to go with a few highlight-reel plays on defense. That stat line includes Saturday night’s go-ahead RBI double in the top of the 10th inning, which helped lead to the Guardians’ 3-2 win over the Minnesota Twins.
“I know the type of player that I am,” Gimenez said. “Fortunately this year we’ve gotten positive results. My focus is always trying to help the team.”
To Francona, the key difference between 2021 and 2022 is that Gimenez has settled in and found a rhythm. For a hitter who won’t turn 24 until September, he might have needed to go
through last year before being a bit more comfortable.
“I also think Andres has kept with his one approach this year. Last year he’d deviate after like a bad game,” Francona said. “You’d have a different stance, you have a leg kick you didn’t have, you get a toe-tap. This year has been real consistent with his approach. I think it’s paying off.”
Gimenez is under club control through the 2026 season and has cemented his place in the everyday lineup at second base, though he could play shortstop down the road as well. In any
case, the Guardians are watching a key, young contributor come into his own.
Bieber’s velocity ticks up
The Guardians have been monitoring pitcher Shane Bieber’s fastball velocity, which has dropped compared to his previous two seasons. (It was 92.8 mph in 2021 and 94.1 mph in 2020.)
Saturday his fastball averaged 91.2 mph. His 2022 average is 90.6.
Bieber allowed one run and struck out seven in six innings of work (109 pitches).