The Cleveland Guardians need as much help as they can get to close out the season.
Fortunately, they had a promising pitcher in front of them and more than willing to give them a hand.
Joey Cantillo has been absolutely lights out since he was recalled, allowing just one earned run and striking out 12 in 14.0 innings.
Joey has been awesome since being recalled on the 3rd.#GuardsBall | @elkandelk pic.twitter.com/Rzl6IiY2aj
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) September 10, 2025
The Guardians’ decision to demote him to Triple-A raised some eyebrows, but it proved to be the right call.
It allowed Cantillo to sharpen his repertoire for the final stretch of the campaign.
Manager Stephen Vogt said he would use a six-man rotation for the Guardians’ recent stretch of 17 games in as many days, which gave the left-hander his latest opportunity.
But given the way Cantillo has pitched, he has definitely earned the right to stay in the rotation, even if they decide to change that approach back to a five-man unit for the final weeks of the season.
Cantillo has been one of the few bright spots during an up-and-down campaign.
He should be a big part of the Guardians’ future and a strong candidate to earn a spot in the rotation from the start of next season.
Hopefully, he will keep his hot stretch going when he next takes the mound for a road game against the Detroit Tigers.
NEXT: Brayan Rocchio Reveals His 'Real Adjustment' After Triple-A Stint
