The Guardians are about to get Slade Cecconi back on a mound, even if it’s only the first step in a longer return.
Cecconi has been sidelined since Aug. 7, when he landed on the 15-day injured list with right arm fatigue. Now, according to Guardians Prospective, the right-hander is set to begin a rehab assignment in Triple-A Columbus. “The Cleveland Guardians have assigned RHP Slade Cecconi to Triple-A Columbus to begin a rehab assignment,” he said.
Cecconi’s season has been uneven. The 27-year-old has had stretches where he’s helped, but his overall line sits at a 5.07 ERA over 110 innings, which is a long way from top-tier production.
Even so, Cleveland clearly values the arm. The club’s rotation has been its strongest unit, with Parker Messick, Gavin Williams, Tanner Bibee, Joey Cantillo and Foster Griffin all throwing well. That depth is part of why the Guardians moved four young players to get Griffin on Aug. 3, a deal that also pushed Cecconi toward the bullpen once Griffin arrived.
Now the focus is simply getting Cecconi built back up. He’s expected to make at least a couple of starts in Triple-A, and maybe more, as he ramps his stamina back toward game shape. If the Guardians need another starter in September, he could be in line for a return.
There are other paths too. Cecconi has pitched out of the bullpen before, and Cleveland could also use a six-man rotation to keep everyone fresh down the stretch. Because he still has a minor league option left, the team can also leave him in Columbus until a rotation opening appears.
For now, the assignment is about restoring health and keeping choices open for Stephen Vogt and the front office. Cecconi may not be a front-line arm, but when he’s right, he can cover innings and give the Guardians the kind of depth every contender wants in reserve. The rehab starts will run for a couple of weeks, and after that, Cleveland will see where things stand.
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