The Cleveland Guardians looked to be finished when they lost 10 games in a row heading into the All-Star break and were 15.5 games back in the AL Central at one point.
But that wasn’t enough to stop them from pulling off an all-time comeback and winning the division.
Ahead of their AL Wild Card series against the Detroit Tigers, two Guardians received notable honors for their performances down the stretch.
“In non-playoff related news, MLB just announced that Joey Cantillo was named the AL Rookie of the Month in September. Cade Smith was recognized as the AL Relief Pitcher of the Month,” Brendan Gulick wrote on X.
In non-playoff related news, MLB just announced that Joey Cantillo was named the AL Rookie of the Month in September. Cade Smith was recognized as the AL Relief Pitcher of the Month.
— Brendan Gulick (@brendangulick22) September 30, 2025
Cantillo made five starts in September and was 2-0 with a 1.55 ERA, while Smith made 14 appearances out of the bullpen, recording seven saves and a 2.77 ERA with 22 strikeouts and no walks in 13 innings.
Smith gave up three runs and didn’t record an out in his first appearance of the month, but after that, he surrendered one run.
Cleveland’s starting rotation featured numerous question marks throughout the season, and Cantillo’s development into a consistent option played a significant role in the Guardians’ closing hot streak.
Each of these pitchers stepped up after Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase were lost to an MLB gambling investigation, and if they can keep it going, the Guardians can make some noise in the postseason.
NEXT: Latest Odds Reveal Guardians' Chances Of Winning World Series
