Late last year, the Cleveland Guardians added right-handed reliever Franco Aleman to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft.
They did it because they saw loads of potential in him, a pitcher who could probably have a similar impact as that of Cade Smith in 2024.
However, in late February, it was announced that Aleman needed surgery to repair a hernia in his left hip.
He went under the knife and was given a multi-week timetable.
The Guardians’ star prospect was patient and hit every milestone in his rehab.
Now, he is back with the Columbus Clippers in Triple-A, trying to prove he is not only fully healthy but also, that he is worthy of an extended look in the major league bullpen.
So far, the organization has prioritized other arms before Aleman: Cody Bolton, Zak Kent, Kolby Allard, Nic Enright, and others have been called up before him.
In the meantime, Aleman keeps doing what he does best: dominate.
Friday’s performance represented another proof of that.
“Cleveland Guardians 24yr old RHP relief prospect Franco Aleman punched out three Iowa batters Friday night for Columbus over two scoreless innings of work. Line – 2.0(IP) 1H 0R 0ER 0BB 3SO Aleman induced seven swing and misses and his sinker topped out at 98.4 mph. 2025 season numbers: – 7.1(IP) 6H 2R 2ER 1BB 14SO 2.45 ERA,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Cleveland #Guardians 24yr old RHP relief prospect Franco Aleman punched out three Iowa batters Friday night for Columbus over two scoreless innings of work.
Line – 2.0(IP) 1H 0R 0ER 0BB 3SO
Aleman induced seven swing and misses and his sinker topped out at 98.4 mph.
2025… pic.twitter.com/FTzRj3X0JR
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) May 24, 2025
Seven swings and misses in just two innings is nothing to sneeze at.
With a fastball that flirts with the triple digits and a wipeout slider, Aleman has the weapons to succeed in MLB right now.
His control is also solid for a guy with his size and sheer stuff, and while he can certainly walk a few guys here and there, his strikeout power gets him out of many jams.
With just one walk, 14 strikeouts, and a 2.45 ERA in Triple-A, Aleman is showing the world that he is ready for a prominent role with the Guardians.
His injury is a thing of the past, and he has a very bright future ahead of him.
NEXT: Guardians Made 2 Roster Moves On Saturday
