As a team that relies so heavily on its farm system, it’s no surprise that the Cleveland Guardians have had several players make their major league debuts so far this season. For the most part, those players have played well when given the chance.
The latest to do so was relief pitcher Franco Aleman, who was called up from Triple-A on Friday and got into his first game on Sunday. Facing the Minnesota Twins, Aleman was impressive, pitching two scoreless innings with two hits allowed, one strikeout, and no walks.
Afterward, bench coach Tony Arnerich gushed about the rookie pitcher’s MLB debut, acknowledging that the road for Aleman was not easy.
“Really impressive. I mean, there’s some funk to that. That ball’s coming in hot. It’s a unique heater. He showed the ability to flip the slider when he needs to, too. He did not look scared. He looked ready. The smile on his face when he came out was pretty cool. He’s worked a long time to get here. To finally see him get that chance and opportunity and make the most of it and pitch really well, it’s good for us and for him,” Arnerich said.
#Guardians acting manager Tony Arnerich on the debut for Franco Aleman:
"Really impressive. I mean, there's some funk to that. That ball's coming in hot. It's a unique heater. He showed the ability to flip the slider when he needs to, too. He did not look scared. He looked…
— Cade Cracas (@CracasCade) May 10, 2026
Aleman pitched the seventh and eighth innings after a rough outing by starter Gavin Williams, but the Guardians were unable to rally and lost 5-4. Arnerich was actually the acting manager with Stephen Vogt sidelined by a respiratory illness.
Reliever Connor Brogdon was designated for assignment to make room on the roster for Aleman. Brogdon, who was signed as a free agent this offseason, had a 5.28 ERA and had allowed five home runs in his 15 appearances.
A 10th-round pick from the 2021 MLB Draft, Aleman had not allowed an earned run in 13 appearances with Columbus this season. He gave up just three hits and four walks while posting 18 strikeouts.
It was an impressive bounce-back after he had a 7.85 ERA in 2025, coming off offseason hernia surgery. He also dealt with an injury in 2024, when an oblique strain may have prevented him from making his MLB debut sooner, as he had a 1.99 ERA in 24 Triple-A appearances that season.
Rookie hitters Travis Bazzana and Chase DeLauter also had to overcome a series of injuries to make it to the majors, and they have been performing well this season. Perhaps Aleman will be able to draw on the confidence built from adversity and use it to his advantage.
The Guardians are in the midst of playing 13 games without an off day, so Aleman should have plenty of chances to help out of the bullpen.
NEXT: Analyst Raves About 3 Budding Guardians Players
