The Guardians have added another arm for the American League Championship Series, putting right-hander Slade Cecconi on their 26-man roster for Monday night’s Game 1 against the Rays in St. Petersburg. Utility player Daniel Schneemann was the corresponding roster omission as Cleveland shifted from 14 position players and 12 pitchers in the Division Series to a more pitching-heavy October group.
It is a practical move after a demanding opening round against the White Sox. Cleveland leaned on seven pitchers, opener Daniel Espino among them, during Wednesday’s 9-3 victory. The following day, an 9-5 Game 4 win required eight pitchers after Parker Messick was limited to 2 1/3 innings and 65 pitches. The club played three games in four days, and the best-of-seven ALCS offers a different kind of workload.
Cecconi, 26, gives the bullpen a fresh multi-inning option. He made 21 starts during the regular season before moving into relief after Cleveland acquired Foster Griffin at the Trade Deadline. Griffin, a left-hander, is set to take the mound for the Guardians in the series opener.
Across 28 regular-season appearances and 121 innings, Cecconi posted a 4.91 ERA. His seven relief outings accounted for 13 2/3 innings and a 5.93 ERA, though he worked beyond one inning in five of those appearances. In a series where early pitching changes can quickly thin out a bullpen, his ability to cover length is the reason he is here.
Schneemann did not get into a game during the Division Series. His absence leaves rookie Angel Genao as Cleveland’s lone reserve option across shortstop, second base and third base. David Fry can also provide cover at third, both corner-outfield spots and catcher, giving manager Terry Francona’s club some flexibility even with the extra pitcher in uniform.
Guardians ALCS roster
The 26-man group for the Rays series includes two catchers, six infielders, five outfielders and 13 pitchers.
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Catchers | Patrick Bailey, Austin Hedges |
| Infielders | Travis Bazzana, David Fry, Angel Genao, Nathaniel Lowe, José Ramírez, Brayan Rocchio |
| Outfielders | Jo Adell, Chase DeLauter, Petey Halpin, Steven Kwan, Angel Martínez |
| Pitchers | Shawn Armstrong, Tanner Bibee, Joey Cantillo (L), Slade Cecconi, Daniel Espino, Matt Festa, Hunter Gaddis, Foster Griffin (L), Tim Herrin (L), Parker Messick (L), Erik Sabrowski (L), Cade Smith, Gavin Williams |
Game 1 is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, with Griffin getting the first ball for Cleveland and Cecconi waiting in the bullpen as the Guardians try to carry their Division Series momentum into a longer October fight.
