The Cleveland Guardians rotation just went on a run we may never see again in franchise history. 

Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.

The Cleveland Guardians' rotation has finally come back down to earth after an unbelievable three-week run in September, where they made franchise history, going 19 straight games with their starters allowing two runs or less. 

With how today’s game has changed and how much more of an emphasis there is on offense, especially slug, this might go down as one of the most dominant stretches we’ll ever see from a Cleveland rotation, and maybe even in baseball.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the stats that made this run so memorable for the Guardians.

Before getting into the numbers, it’s important to note that the rotation’s success was largely built on Cleveland’s decision to change to a six-man rotation because of expanded rosters, and with some of its pitchers reaching or blowing past their previous career-highs in innings pitched.

This decision by Stephen Vogt and the front office was a resounding success.

During the 19-game run, Cleveland’s rotation recorded a 1.39 ERA, a 0.83 WHIP, and a 2.12 FIP. 

Here’s what each individual pitcher did over this stretch:

• Tanner Bibee: 27.2 IP, 1.30 ERA, 0.76 WHIP
• Gavin Williams: 24.0 IP, 1.88 ERA, 1.17 WHIP
• Joey Cantillo: 23.1 IP, 1.16 ERA, 0.99 WHIP
• Slade Cecconi: 20.2, 0.87 ERA, 0.53 WHIP
• Logan Allen: 18.0 IP, 2.00 ERA, 1.06 WHIP
• Parker Messick: 17.1 IP, 2.08 ERA, 1.27 WHIP

One of the most impressive parts of this stretch is that when Guardians' pitchers allowed base runners, they didn’t let it hurt them. Cleveland’s rotation had a combined left-on-base rate of 90.8 percent.

Good luck starting a rally with a number like that.

What really puts this incredible run into perspective is how the numbers stack up compared to Cleveland’s rotation during the 22-game winning streak during the 2017 season. 

During that span, Cleveland’s starters had a 1.94 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and a 2.78 FIP.

Yes, the 2017 team maintained its success for a few more games than the 2025 team, but the 2025 rotation had slightly better traditional numbers. 

This isn’t to say either span was better, just to appreciate the run the Guardians went on earlier in September.

It may be a run we won’t see again for eight years, or at all.