COMING HOME: Cleveland Guardians Look to Keep MOMENTUM Going in Home Opener vs Chicago Cubs

Cleveland Guardians kick off their 2026 home opener against the Chicago Cubs, reigniting memories of the 2016 World Series. Can the Guardians seek revenge and turn early-season momentum into a long-term run? Hosts Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis cover Joey Cantillo’s home opener assignment, Travis Bazzana’s walk-off double for Columbus, and Ralphy Velazquez’s first homer of the season. The episode features deep minor league insights, roster cuts—including Tyler Thornton and Ross Carver—and updates on farm system standouts like Justin Campbell. The Cubs’ top-heavy lineup and bullpen arms like Daniel Palencia and Hunter Harvey means the Guardians momentum will face yet another challenge early in this season. Could this the start of something special in Cleveland?   00:00 Preview of Cubs, Guardians, and minors 05:16 Cleveland's home opener plans 08:45 Previewing the weekend pitching matchups 15:15 Critiquing Cubs' spending choices 17:21 Minor league highlights and Khal Stephen 28:13 Justin Campbell's big debut 30:56 Guardians minor league roster limits 34:22 Discussing roster cuts   Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonguardians.supercast.com/   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Turbo Tax Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. You can meet face-to-face with a real tax expert, and your documents get uploaded straight to your TurboTax app on the spot.     Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to find a store near you and book your appointment today.   Robinhood You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood. Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin. Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm.   Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast   Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.   FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. During the tournament FanDuel is offering $300 back in Bonus Bets every day for ten days. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.   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://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-guardians/   Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/mlb/   #Guardians #ClevelandGuardians #MLB Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.