What we learned from the Guardians 2024 season-opening series against the Oakland A's

The Stephen Vogt era has begun, and except for a small spoiler at the last second on Sunday it has been a success.

The Guardians left Oakland and their first series of the 2024 season at 3-1 after winning the first three games against the Athletics. The Guardians combined for 26 runs in those three wins — only the second time in the last 100 years a Cleveland team scored at least six runs in each of the first three games of a season, joining the 1998 club.

Shane Bieber took the mound in what very well could be his last Opening Day in a Cleveland uniform, and Vogt's first few lineups as manager left for much interpretation.

Here's what we learned from the Guardians' first series of the season.

Shane Bieber looks sharp and appears primed for a big season in contract year

No, one quality start does not mean a pitcher will hold that success for an entire year. And, no, ripping through the rebuilding A's lineup won't mean much when facing a more potent offense.

But there were a lot of positive signs with Bieber's first outing of the 2024 season, and that night built off a spring that appeared to have the Guardians ace pointing in the right direction.

To quote the late Nick Gilbert, it was a "What's not to like?" type performance from Bieber. His fastball velocity was up (92.3 mph compared to a 91.3 mph average a year ago). The spin on his curveball was up (over time he had lost some power with that pitch and it had become less effective and more horizontal).

Those were the two biggest reasons why Bieber spent the offseason working with Driveline, and the impact of those sessions was evident in the first game of the season.

Bieber finished with 11 strikeouts — the only pitcher in baseball history with more double-digit strikeout performances on Opening Day is Randy Johnson, with four — while allowing four hits and walking one in six innings. The actual box score, considering the opponent, is fine. The Guardians will see more optimism in his fastball velocity and the numbers on his curveball.

Stephen Vogt's lineups could vary greatly day by day (aside from Steven Kwan)

Most lineups in baseball shift from day to day because of a number of factors. Vogt's lineup configurations are certainly following suit early this season.

For example, Andres Gimenez opened the season in the No. 7 spot, as the Oakland A's countered with lefty Alex Wood. The next night, with a right-hander on the mound, Gimenez was batting second.

Will Brennan didn't start on Opening Day and then was in the No. 5 spot for Game 2. Ramon Laureano either wasn't in the lineup at all or was hitting behind Jose Ramirez in the No. 3 spot against left-handed starters.

Through four games, only one player has been in the same spot in the lineup — Steven Kwan, the leadoff hitter. Jose Ramirez has shifted between the No. 2 and No. 3 spots.

David Fry's versatility also offers a great number of additional lineup configurations. And as long as he's hitting well (6 for 11 thus far), the Guardians can utilize him in a number of different ways.

The Guardians have a few platoon situations, and Vogt is being aggressive with how he deploys them in the heart of the lineup.

The designated hitter spot in Guardians lineups will be flexible

Vogt had told reporters in Goodyear, Ariz., that the occupant of the designated hitter spot being a revolving door would be a common sight with his lineup construction, and he wasn't kidding.

The Guardians as constructed don't have a set DH, so the aim — for as long as that remains true — will be to use the DH spot as a way to make the lineup as flexible as possible while allowing some regulars (namely Ramirez) to get off their feet for a day.

Through four games, three separate players have occupied the DH spot — David Fry, Estevan Florial (twice) and Ramirez.

Once Kyle Manzardo is called up to the majors, the Guardians might not have as much flexibility in getting both him and Josh Naylor into the lineup every day. But until that day comes, the DH spot can be used in a different way nearly every game.

Bo Naylor's workload will be closely monitored in 2024

Vogt told reporters in Oakland he's already focused on ensuring that Bo Naylor isn't overworked in his first full season as catcher.

Through four games, Naylor and Austin Hedges have each caught two games. Hedges is one of the best defensive catchers in the game, but he does leave much to be desired offensively.

Although Naylor provides a needed boost to the lineup's potential, the Guardians — who have been careful to set up him for success as much as possible — want to make sure they don't overuse a catcher who only just turned 24 years old over the course of a long, 162-game season.

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Ryan Lewis can be reached at rlewis1@gannett.com. Read more about the Guardians at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/cleveland-guardians. Follow him on Threads at @ByRyanLewis.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: What we learned as Cleveland Guardians open 2024 season vs Oakland A's