The Cleveland Guardians have done a great job of finding and developing talent.
They know they need a good farm system to keep up with big-market powerhouses, and more often than not, they succeed.
That’s why it’s not a surprise to see Joey Cantillo among the top rookies in the game.
Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report has the pitcher at No. 29 on his list of every team’s best rookie.
“Cantillo made eight starts in July and August after spending the first three months [of] the season in the bullpen, going 2-3 with a 4.03 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 38 innings. The 25-year-old was optioned back to Triple-A in mid-August, but he has been a useful arm filling a variety of roles,” Reuter wrote.
Cantillo will rejoin the Guardians and take the mound to start against the Boston Red Sox.
That comes a couple of weeks after he was demoted back to Triple-A in a somewhat surprising turn of events.
Cantillo posted a 6.52 ERA with 12 strikeouts and four walks in 9.2 innings in two starts with the Clippers since being sent down.
For the season, he’s fared much better in the majors, with a 3.93 ERA with 80 strikeouts and 36 walks in 66.1 innings.
He’s made 21 relief appearances and eight starts for Cleveland.
Notably, Logan Allen was slated to start against Boston, and it’s unclear whether the decision to recall Cantillo is because Allen is moving to the bullpen.
Whatever the case, it’s clear that the organization has faith in Cantillo right now.
With the rotation gearing up for the final stretch of the season, he’ll get a chance to help the Guardians make a postseason push.
NEXT: Guardians Predicted To Move On From Veteran Outfielder
