The Cleveland Guardians will look to start a new winning streak when they face the Colorado Rockies at Progressive Field.
They will do so with one of their most underrated pitchers on the mound.
Asked about the team and its recent surge, manager Stephen Vogt tipped his hat to Slade Cecconi.
“We’ve had some guys like Kyle Manzardo and Carlos Santana step up. But we have Slade Cecconi, that is how we look at it. Slade has become such a big part of our rotation. He’s one of the reasons we’re in the position we’re in,” Vogt said.
Cecconi has been surprisingly consistent this season.
He’s getting an excellent whiff rate on his curveball and his slider, which is translating into more strikeouts.
Cecconi has allowed nine home runs in six home starts, and he’s 1-2 with a 4.98 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in 34.1 innings, so he has been more efficient on the road.
Nevertheless, he will face a struggling Rockies team that averages less than three runs per game on the road.
The Rockies hit .206 with a .602 OPS outside of Coors Field.
Moreover, Cecconi has been at his best when given four days or more to rest, going 2-2 with a 2.10 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in five starts under those circumstances this season.
The Guardians know they have no margin for error at this point.
They’re floating around .500 and are 3.5 games behind in the race for the final AL Wild Card spot.
Facing the Rockies for a three-game series is just what the doctor ordered, especially with the trade deadline days away.
A sweep could put Cleveland above .500, and it could make the front office think twice about being buyers or sellers.
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