The Guardians’ Rotation Has A Glaring Weak Spot

The Cleveland Guardians had won three of their last four games, all against the Baltimore Orioles, before taking the field this week. They were on a roll, but unfortunately, they were stopped by the Houston Astros’ formidable offense and lost 9-2 on Monday.

The Guardians’ fate was sealed early when starting pitcher Slade Cecconi had them in a 6-0 hole in the fourth frame. His final line was highly disappointing, which has been a common theme in 2026: seven runs allowed (six earned) in five innings, with 10 hits (two of them homers), two walks, and just two punchouts.

“#Guardians Matt Festa coming into the game as Slade Cecconi’s night is done: 5.0 IP, 10 hits, 7 runs, 6ER, 2K’s, 2BB, 2 HR on 94 pitches,” Horodyski wrote.

#Guardians Matt Festa coming into the game as Slade Cecconi’s night is done:

5.0 IP, 10 hits, 7 runs, 6ER, 2K’s, 2BB, 2 HR on 94 pitches #GuardsBall x @WEWS

— Mason Horodyski (@MasonHorodyski) April 20, 2026

The outing leaves Cecconi’s ERA for the 2026 campaign at an alarmingly high 6.20 in 24.2 innings, with a 1.58 WHIP. Even last year, when he had an ‘okay’ season, his ERA was a rather uninspiring 4.30.

Cecconi, the main piece Cleveland got back in the Josh Naylor trade before the 2025 campaign, has been the weakest link in an otherwise strong rotation so far. After Monday, here are the Guardians starters’ ERAs:

Parker Messick: 1.05

Gavin Williams: 2.12

Joey Cantillo: 3.20

Tanner Bibee: 4.81

Slade Cecconi: 6.20

The Guardians don’t have much in the starting pitching depth department, but they do have a guy who posted a 4.25 ERA as an MLB starter last year: Logan Allen. The left-hander might not have as much upside as Cecconi, but at this point, he has to be considered, at the very least.

The problem with Allen is that he’s currently sporting a 5.93 ERA in 13.2 Triple-A innings. Yes, it comes with a much better 2.65 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP), but it’s worrisome nonetheless.

Even if Cecconi manages to turn his luck around and start delivering better results, the Guardians have to consider adding starters to the organization before the deadline, even depth options. It’s one of the few departments in which the organization stands to improve.

Doug Nikhazy was recently designated for assignment and is now with the Chicago White Sox, and Daniel Espino is being used as a reliever. The club is banking on Cecconi and Allen returning to form eventually, but they are walking a fine line.