Ben Lively DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The Cleveland Guardians placed right-hander Ben Lively (forearm) on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday with a right flexor-tendon strain and recalled right-hander Zak Kent from Triple-A Columbus in a corresponding move, according to MLB.com's Tim Stebbins. Lively was pulled from his start early on Monday night against the Milwaukee Brewers after experiencing forearm inflammation, and now he'll miss at least the next two weeks. Fantasy managers should be prepared for the 33-year-old veteran's absence to extend into June. In the short term, it's expected that Kolby Allard will step into Lively's rotation spot in Cleveland, making him a waiver-wire candidate in AL-only formats. Lively has been solid in his nine starts in 2025 with a 3.22 ERA and 1.19 WHIP, but his 16.3% strikeout rate leaves a lot to be desired for fantasy managers.

Cleveland Guardians right-hander Ben Lively (forearm) left his start early on Monday after tossing a couple of warmup pitches in the fourth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers with right-forearm inflammation, according to MLB.com's Tim Stebbins. Before departing, Lively had thrown three shutout innings with one hit allowed, two walks and a strikeout. We'll have an update on the severity of the 33-year-old's injury once the Guardians get test results back on Lively's arm, but fantasy managers should at least expect him to miss his next scheduled start and possibly land on the 15-day injured list. Coming into his start on Monday, Lively had gone 2-2 with a 3.46 ERA (4.58 FIP) and 1.20 WHIP with 28 strikeouts and 13 walks in 41 2/3 innings over his first eight starts. His fantasy value is limited, though, as more of a pitch-to-contact hurler.

Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Tanner Bibee (illness) was scratched from his start on Opening Day due to food poisoning. As a result, the Guardians will give right-handed pitcher Ben Lively the starting nod. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Bibee's status, but he should be ready to make his next scheduled start. Lively posted a 3.81 ERA with a 1.25 WHIP across 151 innings last season. He tallied 118 punchouts and served up walks at a modest 7.8 percent rate. He also generated a 4.00 xERA with a .240 xBA, which were both slightly below the average marks. Given Lively's low strikeout upside, he should not be targeted in any DFS competitions facing the Kansas City Royals, who will have first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (hamstring) active.