Encouraging trend for Logan Allen of the Guardians

The injuries and issues that plagued the Cleveland Guardians starting lineup in the first quarter of the season have been well documented. The bullpen was incredible, but they were also overworked. At some point the starters have to stop to give the replacements a break.

Luckily, one member of the rotation is showing signs of turning his season around.

Logan Allen withdrew his start against the Detroit Tigers on May 7 after giving up seven runs in 2.1 innings of work. This increased his ERA to 6.41 and raised some questions about his place in Cleveland's rotation.

Since that start, the left-hander has responded and turned his season around with two strong starts against American League Central opponents.

Allen has thrown a total of 12.0 innings, struck out 10 batters, walked just two hitters and hasn't allowed a run in his last two starts. He gave up 11 total hits, but much of it was weak contact, which helped the defense fight off double plays and get out of the inning early.

Seven of those strikeouts came against the Twins, whose lineup has struggled but is still dangerous when loaded with strong threats.

Manager Stephan Vogt I particularly liked what he was in that start against Minnesota.

“He was great. He made great pitches, had weak contact and got the strikeouts when he needed them,” Vogt said.

This scoreless trend is an exciting development for Allen and the Guardians. Of course, he would eventually give up another run, but that doesn't mean the southpaw is regaining more command and control over his throws.

It's great to see Allen finding his form and helping produce big innings for the Guardians. The team will need more of it throughout the summer if it wants to play playoff baseball in the fall.