Joey Cantillo was a starting pitcher during his entire pro career leading up to the 2025 campaign.
This year, Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt and the player development staff decided to use him as a multi-inning reliever instead.
He was solid, with a 3.81 ERA and 36 strikeouts in 28.1 innings.
His command wasn’t perfect, but his stuff played up in shorter spurts, and he had a nice showing as a bullpen piece.
Cleveland, however, needs him back in his former role, and he has been in the minor leagues, stretching out his arm.
The lefty recently had a nice game as he ramped up enough to pitch three solid innings.
“Cleveland Guardians LHP Joey Cantillo struck out five Rochester batters allowing just one run over three innings today for Columbus. Line – 3.0(IP) 2H 1R 1ER 1BB 5SO (62 Pitches 42 Strikes). Cantillo topped out at 95.6 mph and induced 11 swings and misses,” Guardians Prospective wrote on X.
Cleveland #Guardians LHP Joey Cantillo struckout five Rochester batters allowing just one run over three innings today for Columbus.
Line – 3.0(IP) 2H 1R 1ER 1BB 5SO
(62 Pitches 42 Strikes)
Cantillo topped out at 95.6 mph and induced 11 swings and misses. #GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/VmVcMhbmVw
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) June 1, 2025
Getting 11 swings and misses in three innings is a formidable output.
To be a successful starter, Cantillo needs to take a step forward in control and command.
He has the stuff, but does he have the stamina and the ability to place the ball where he needs to?
Time will tell, but the Guardians’ pitching staff has been so inconsistent and injury-prone that the lefty should have his fair share of chances in the upcoming weeks, if he doesn’t falter in Columbus.
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