Slade Cecconi steps into the Guardians’ rotation after Ben Lively’s injury. Can the former top prospect solidify his role in Cleveland?

Cecconi came into this role saying all the right things. He made his first start as Lively’s replacement on May 17 against the Reds. It was the second game of this nine-game trip through Cincinnati, Minneapolis and Detroit. He lost 4-1, but pitched well, tying a career high with eight strikeouts over five innings.

Slade Cecconi pitched six strong innings, Steven Kwan had three hits and the Cleveland Guardians topped the host Detroit Tigers on Friday night.

Slade Cecconi pitched six strong innings and the Cleveland Guardians topped the host Detroit Tigers 3-1 on Friday night.

Slade Cecconi threw six strong innings Friday night as the Guardians beat the AL Central-leading Tigers, 3-1, at Comerica Park. It was their second straight win over the Tigers as they pulled to within four games of first place.

For a brief moment, it appeared that the Cleveland Guardians were going to have a tough time replacing Ben Lively. The Guardians announced on Friday that Lively would undergo Tommy John surgery, with a lengthy return timeline somewhere in the neighborhood of 12-16 months.

The Guardians acquired Cecconi from Arizona in exchange for first baseman Josh Naylor in December. He didn’t show much rust on Saturday despite it being his first big-league start since Sept. 11, 2024, allowing only two hits with six strikeouts through four innings before Benson’s homer.

Cecconi's Efficent Outing. Stephen Vogt admitted before the game that he knew Cecconi hadn't been fully stretched out yet to get deep into the start. However, that didn't matter,

The Reds made it 4-1 in the seventh on a two-out homer by Rece Hinds. Jakob Junis started the inning in place of Smith and was greeted by a single by Matt McClain. Jose Trevino grounded into a double play, but Hinds, the No.9 hitter, homered to center.

Cleveland Guardians right-hander Slade Cecconi will make another start in Friday's series opener against the division-rival Detroit Tigers in Motown. Cecconi will stick in the starting rotation in Cleveland for a second turn after an impressive debut with the team last Saturday against the