The Guardians arrive at Camden Yards on Monday still very much in the American League wild-card chase, and they’ll do it with a left-handed starter who has been rolling of late.
Cleveland opens a three-game set against Baltimore with Joey Cantillo on the mound at 1:35 p.m. The Guardians lefty is 9-8 with a 3.81 ERA, and he’s coming off a stretch that has been especially sharp.
Over the last 28 days, opponents have managed only a .682 OPS against him. In 141 2/3 innings, Cantillo has piled up 151 strikeouts.
Baltimore counters with fellow lefty Trevor Rogers, who comes in at 9-9 with a 4.30 ERA. Rogers has been much tougher on left-handed hitters than righties, holding lefties to a .536 OPS while right-handers have posted a .768 mark. That gives Cleveland’s right-handed bats a clear spotlight in this matchup.
The Guardians are 73-71 and trying to keep pace in the race. The Orioles are 69-75 and still hanging around.
Cleveland also has to navigate this game without Chase DeLauter, its hottest hitter over the last month, who remains out with wrist soreness. Even so, Angel Martínez and Steven Kwan have been producing at the plate.
Baltimore has had some pop lately as well, with Pete Alonso, Coby Mayo and Gunnar Henderson all delivering strong recent production.
The Guardians’ lineup features Steven Kwan in left, Jo Adell at DH, José Ramírez at third, Angel Martínez in right, David Fry at first, Angel Genao at second, Austin Hedges behind the plate, Petey Halpin in center and Brayan Rocchio at shortstop.
Baltimore’s lineup has Blaze Alexander in right, Pete Alonso at first, Jackson Holliday at second, Colby Mayo at third, Gunnar Henderson at shortstop, Christian Encarnacion-Strand at DH, Sam Basallo at catcher, Rece Hinds in center and Dylan Beavers in left.
In Other News...
Browns Star Denzel Ward Just Sent A Big Message About Guardians Future
Denzel Ward is adding a new Cleveland hat to his collection. The Browns cornerback has bought a minority ownership stake in the Guardians, putting him alongside fellow NFL player Travis Kelce in a group that continues to grow as the franchise works through an ownership transition. For Ward, a Cleveland native, the move ties one of the citys most recognizable athletes even more closely to the baseball team.
The timing makes it notable, too, with David Blitzer set to take over controlling interest after the 2027 season. Ward said he is proud to be part of the organization, and the Guardians plan to honor him at Progressive Field, a fitting nod for a player whose connection to the city has always felt bigger than football alone. [Read more 🡒]
Guardians Outfield Crunch Is Putting Petey Halpin Under A Harsh Spotlight
Petey Halpin gave the Guardians a jolt on Aug. 21 with a 422-foot home run against the Rockies, a reminder of why Cleveland has kept giving the young outfielder looks. Since then, though, the offense has not followed, and his .150/.227/.150 line over 13 games has only intensified the scrutiny that comes with every start in a crowded outfield mix.
The challenge for Cleveland is that Halpin is not just being judged at the plate. The Guardians have been using him in center because Angel Martnezs defense there is limited, even as Martnez handles a corner spot and the rest of the depth chart stays complicated by injuries and fit concerns. With Steven Kwan, Jo Adell and Chase DeLauter also in the picture, Halpins role feels especially fragile, and every game in center is starting to carry a little more weight. [Read more 🡒]
Guardians Add Another Cleveland Star At The Perfect Time
Denzel Ward is getting involved with another Cleveland institution at a moment when the Guardians are trying to keep their momentum rolling on and off the field. The Browns cornerback, an Ohio native and five-time Pro Bowl selection, has joined the club as a minority investor, adding another hometown name to an ownership group led by Paul Dolan and David Blitzer.
Ward now pairs with future Hall of Fame tight end Travis Kelce in that group, giving the Guardians another high-profile local connection as they continue building around the citys identity. Ward said he is grateful for the chance to contribute to the community in this new role, a small but notable reminder of how tightly Clevelands sports scene continues to overlap. [Read more 🡒]