SPUTTERING: Cleveland Guardians Playoff Hopes FADING Despite Parker Messick's Dazzling Debut

Cleveland Guardians' playoff hopes hang by a thread after a disappointing 1-5 stretch. Can Parker Messick's impressive Major League debut spark a late-season turnaround?

Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis break down Messick's stellar 6 2/3 inning performance and debate his future in the rotation. The hosts dissect recent bullpen struggles, including Manager Stephen Vogt's controversial decision to use Cade Smith for a four-out save attempt against the Diamondbacks. They guys analyze the team's offensive woes, particularly with runners in scoring position, and discuss potential lineup changes involving David Fry and emerging prospects.

0:00 Intro: Guardians lose despite Messick's debut

5:05 Parker Messick's impressive Major League debut

10:12 Bullpen struggles and management decisions

15:18 Depth issues in Guardians bullpen

25:03 Debate over pinch-hitting decisions

30:08 Guardians' playoff hopes fading rapidly

Sign up to be a Locked On Guardians Insider:

https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonguardians

Take our listener survey: https://forms.gle/iXVN7J9jEfhzpywm7

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY

Tee up that trip! Enter for a chance to win a dream golf trip for two to any golf tournament* in the USA. Visit 5HEWIN.com for full rules and entry. No purchase necessary. Excludes the Master’s tournament. Ends October 31, 2025.

PrizePicks

Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.

PrizePicks — Run Your Game.

Click Link Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONMLB

Monarch Money

Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONMLB at monarchmoney.com/lockedonmlb for 50% off your first year.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOGuardians?sid=YouTube

Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More

🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnMLB

#Guardians #ClevelandGuardians #MLB