The Cleveland Guardians are a .500 team – not just in the standings, but on the field.

The offense, the starting pitchers, the bullpen, and the defense aren’t great, but they aren’t terrible, either.

Cleveland sits at 35-35 in the middle of June. While the Detroit Tigers are running away with the AL Central Division, the Guardians are still in the middle of the wild-card race.

Do they have what it takes to make a run, or will they continue to sputter along in the middle of the pack for the rest of the season?

WHO COULD HELP?

Shane Bieber, the Guardians’ ace starting pitcher, is still recovering from Tommy John surgery. After a brief setback, he will resume his throwing program soon, according to The Plain Dealer.

Adding Bieber to the rotation would be a big improvement, but the Guardians need to stay in the playoff race for him to make a difference.

Another All-Star, David Fry, has already returned, but he hasn’t made much of an impact. That’s because he can only play designated hitter.

Fry’s return has taken Kyle Manzardo out of the lineup half the time, because he and Carlos Santana only play first base and DH.

Center fielder Lane Thomas came to the rescue last year in a trade from Washington, but he has suffered two injuries this year and is hitting .162.

If Thomas could regain his stroke, that would help. Right field has been another problem, with Will Brennan, Nolan Jones, and Jhonkensy Noel failing to deliver big numbers.

Jones is starting to improve, but the Guardians may look for outside help like they did when they acquired Thomas.

BUY OR SELL?

The next six weeks will tell the story of the Guardians’ season. If they can stay afloat until July 31, they could make some trades before the deadline.

If they are below .500 at that time, then the Guardians will rebuild for next season.

Cleveland will begin a three-game series against the San Francisco Giants and new slugger Rafael Devers tonight at 9:45.