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MIKE BROWN: The Cleveland Guardians need offense

By Mike Brown
Cleveland Guardians right fielder Will Brennan (17) is greeted at the dugout by manager Terry Francona (right) after scoring a run against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning at Petco Park.
Cleveland Guardians right fielder Will Brennan (17) is greeted at the dugout by manager Terry Francona (right) after scoring a run against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning at Petco Park. Orlando Ramirez USA TODAY Sports

It’s no secret that the Cleveland Guardians need more offense.

In a season in which the American League Central Division title is truly up for grabs, it’s frustrating to think what could be if the Guardians had just a little more offensive production.

A closer look at Cleveland’s offensive struggles

Heading into this week, Cleveland was rated 27th of 30 Major League Baseball teams in runs scored per game.

The Guardians are averaging just 3.9 runs per game. Only Detroit (3.76), Kansas City (3.75) and Oakland (3.54) are worse.

The lack of offensive production by Cleveland has been magnified due to the many injuries sustained by its starting pitching staff, which is one of the best in Major League Baseball.

The Cleveland Guardians are still contending in the AL Central

Despite the injuries and lack of overall offensive firepower, the Guardians still remain in the thick of the weak AL Central title chase with the Minnesota Twins.

We can only hope that the Guardians’ pitching staff gets healthy and their offense starts to pick up as we draw closer to the dog days of summer.

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