The Cleveland Guardians have been fortunate in that they’ve been able to use the same five starting pitchers in every game this season. But with that, the team has to be willing to ride some highs and lows, because no pitcher will be at his best every time he takes the mound.
Unfortunately, Joey Cantillo is in the midst of a difficult stretch. It hit its low point in a career-worst performance, when he gave up seven runs in five innings of a 10-0 loss to the Texas Rangers on Sunday.
With that in mind, analyst Pat McGuire revealed his concerns about the inconsistent Guardians pitcher, although he does not believe that the right-hander is tipping his pitches.
“If Joey was tipping, that’s one thing. If you’re working on your pitches and you’re getting the pitch results that you want, that’s one thing. Still not great to see a 10-0 spot. Seven runs down after four innings basically. Joey Cantillo, you’re going to get the good with the bad with him. It’s inconsistency. He’s got great stuff. That’s the thing that you can rely on,” McGuire said.
If the playoffs started today, would you trust Joey Cantillo to start games? #GuardsBall
"You're going to get the good with the bad with him."
Watch Daily Guards at https://t.co/34XkEAfYyW! pic.twitter.com/pcrbs84R3D
— The Daily Guards (@DailyGuards) June 9, 2026
As part of these recent struggles, Cantillo has allowed 15 runs in his past three starts. He gave up four runs in just two innings against the Washington Nationals on May 26 and four runs in four innings against the New York Yankees on June 2.
That followed a stretch when he did not allow a run twice in his previous three starts. His ERA has been as low as 2.45 and has now climbed to 4.57, which highlights the nature of his up-and-down campaign.
Cantillo may have been the last pitcher to earn his spot in the Guardians’ five-man rotation, emerging from the spring training competition ahead of Logan Allen. The group has been led by potential All-Stars Gavin Williams and Parker Messick, and it includes Tanner Bibee and Slade Cecconi, who have had their own struggles this season.
Bibee just earned his first win of the season in his 14th start, and Cecconi has a 4.92 ERA and 1.43 WHIP. While manager Stephen Vogt may be comfortable with the routine of sending out the same pitchers every time their turn comes up, it might be time for the Guardians to consider a potential change or two, even if it’s only to give Cantillo or others an extended rest.
Cantillo will get a chance to end his slump with his next start scheduled for Saturday against the Detroit Tigers.
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