The Cleveland Guardians wasted a big opportunity.
It’s unusual to see Boston Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet struggle on the mound.
Unfortunately, Guardians starter Slade Cecconi was just as bad, giving up seven runs on 11 hits.
On a positive note, he had eight strikeouts and didn’t issue a walk in 5.1 innings, and Crochet’s struggles helped him avoid a loss on his record despite an 11-7 defeat.
Cecconi hasn’t been at his best lately, but he’s staying positive amid the struggles.
“I take pride in how I take care of my body and my mind,” Cecconi said. “And I feel like I’m at my best right now in terms of clarity and focus as well as where my body is in terms of stuff and command. And it’s unfortunate how it went tonight and the results column, but I feel that the work that I put in and the work that the staff puts in with me is paying off and allowing me to be where I am at this workload.”
He’s now given up at least five runs in three of his past five appearances.
Three of the Red Sox’s runs came from home runs, and he’s now given up at least one in nine consecutive outings, with 15 home runs allowed in his past 11 games.
Perhaps the only positive note is that he continues to stay ahead of hitters and doesn’t give up many walks.
Other than that, he needs to be better.
His next opportunity will come against the Kansas City Royals, a game that will have implications in the AL Wild Card race.
The Guardians will use a six-man rotation in the short term, meaning Cecconi’s job is safe for now.
However, if his struggles persist and John Means returns, perhaps the Guardians will consider moving him to the bullpen.
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