Cleveland Guardians rookie Joey Cantillo didn’t have his finest game on Friday against the Houston Astros.
His team ended up losing, and he conceded three earned runs in 3.2 frames, with two walks and a whopping six hits.
He did show off his strikeout stuff with seven punchouts, but the command was a bit spotty and he ended up paying for it.
Still, even though it wasn’t the best way to wrap up his regular season, Cantillo left positive impressions overall.
He posted an elevated 4.89 ERA, but he did strike out 44 in 38.2 frames and his was an acceptable 1.29.
Better days are ahead for him, and the hope is that they can come in the postseason.
In which role? The Guardians haven’t said, but the young lefty is prepared for anything that comes his way.
“Joey Cantillo doesn’t know exactly what his role will be for the playoffs. But he says he’ll be ready whenever the team asks him to throw,” Cleveland Guardians on SI posted on X.
Joey Cantillo doesn't know exactly what his role will be for the playoffs. But he says he'll be ready whenever the team asks him to throw.#Guardians | #ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/TTBLXGhf1M
— Cleveland Guardians On SI (@GuardiansOnSI) September 28, 2024
Cantillo has an excellent pitch in his changeup so he doesn’t have glaring issues facing right-handed hitters.
Despite being a southpaw, lefties are more of a problem for him but that doesn’t mean he can’t get them out.
Tanner Bibee is expected to start the first game of the Division Series for Cleveland.
After that, things are very much fluid.
It’d be nice for manager Stephen Vogt to have Cantillo around as he can start, pitch like a traditional reliever, or even as a bulk hurler after an opener.
No one knows what Cleveland is planning, but Cantillo will likely be a part of it.
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