The Cleveland Guardians and their fans have had to wait multiple weeks, but they are finally enjoying a nice sighting on the mound: right-hander Slade Cecconi.
Cecconi, as you probably remember, is the main piece the Guardians got in return for one of their most influential players in recent history: first baseman Josh Naylor.
They didn’t see a chance of extending Naylor, so they decided to flip him in the offseason in exchange for Cecconi and a Competitive Balance Round B draft pick.
Cecconi suffered a strained left oblique in the spring and missed the entire first month of the season and more, but is now healthy and showing why the team trusted him in the first place.
He dominated the Detroit Tigers on Friday, tossing six innings of one run allowed and six strikeouts.
He walked two and conceded five hits, striking out six.
It was his second outing of the season.
The first one was equally good, and Cleveland might have a true asset in its rotation.
“Slade Cecconi’s first two starts for Cleveland: 11 IP, 4 ER, 2 BB. 14 K, 3.27 ERA,” Guardians of the Land posted on X.
Slade Cecconi's first two starts for Cleveland:
11 IP, 4 ER, 2 BB. 14 K, 3.27 ERA
— Guardians of The Land (@OurCLEGuardians) May 24, 2025
Cecconi’s big fastball and huge extension are two of the things that have stood out to this point.
He also has a deep arsenal that includes a slider, a curveball, a cutter, a changeup, and a sinker in addition to the heater.
Control and command have both been on point, which is amazing considering the long layoff.
It appears, at long last, that the Guardians have a building block in their rotation.
Once again, it appears their patience has been rewarded.
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