At the halfway point of the 2026 MLB season, the Cleveland Guardians have used the same five starting pitchers for every one of their games. It’s an incredible run of good fortune that no other team can match.
That rotation has been led by Gavin Williams and Parker Messick, whose consistent campaigns have made them contenders to be named to the AL All-Star team. Following them have been Tanner Bibee, Slade Cecconi and Joey Cantillo.
That trio has had its fair share of ups and downs that may have caused other teams to consider making a change or two. But the Guardians have remained loyal to them, and they have been rewarded with some dominant performances at times.
Right now, Cantillo is the Guardians pitcher who is on an elite stretch, with his latest strong outing coming Friday against the Seattle Mariners.
“Cleveland Guardians LHP Joey Cantillo struck out 9 Mariners batters Friday night allowing just one run over six innings of work. Line – 6.0(IP) 2H 1R 1ER 2BB 9SO (90 Pitches 53 Strikes). Last three starts: 19.0(IP) 12H 3ER 3BB 22SO 1.42 ERA,” Guardians Prospective posted.
Cleveland #Guardians LHP Joey Cantillo struckout 9 Mariners batters Friday night allowing just one run over six innings of work.
Line – 6.0(IP) 2H 1R 1ER 2BB 9SO
(90 Pitches 53 Strikes)
Last three starts:
– 19.0(IP) 12H 3ER 3BB 22SO 1.42 ERA#GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/6wVMvmF4Sd
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) June 27, 2026
After giving up seven runs over five innings to the Texas Rangers on June 7, Cantillo rebounded well. In his next start, the left-hander gave up one run and six hits over five innings in a win against the Detroit Tigers, and he then had arguably his best performance of the season, allowing one run on four hits with nine strikeouts over eight innings in a victory against the Houston Astros.
He followed that up with his strong showing against the Mariners. Cantillo left with the game tied, and Cleveland’s bullpen gave up two runs in the 3-1 loss.
This season, Cantillo is 6-3 with a 3.87 ERA in 17 starts. It is already a career high in wins for the 26-year-old, and he is likely to easily surpass his previous highs for strikeouts and innings pitched.
According to Cleveland.com, before the series against the Mariners, the Guardians’ rotation ranked second in the American League in innings pitched and strikeouts, was third in ERA, and fifth in batting average against. With injuries throughout their batting lineup, it is a much-needed area of consistency.
Cantillo will look to keep his excellent run going, and look for a measure of revenge, when he makes his next scheduled start against the Rangers on Wednesday.
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