Guardians are poised for second-half surge

State of play: The Guardians' recent success can be largely attributed to one of baseball's best pitching staffs, led by All-Stars Parker Messick and Cade Smith, both of whom delivered the goods in the Philadelphia showcase last week.

• Rookie second baseman Travis Bazzana also represented the Guards on the American League All-Star team.

Yes, but: The offense remains a concern — what else is new?

• Getting Ramírez and outfielder Angel Martínez back from injury — and adding a bat before the Aug. 3 trade deadline — will be critical if the Guards hope to ascend from the basement in runs scored.

The bottom line: Cleveland has the easiest remaining schedule in baseball, per MLB.com, plus a consistent starting rotation and an elite bullpen.

• If the bats wakes up, the Guardians have a clear path to another AL Central title.