Austin Peterson joins the Cleveland Guardians for their regular-season finale.
The Cleveland Guardians’ playoff position is locked in after their victory over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night. They’re officially American League Central champions and have secured the No. 2 seed in the American League.
Even though the Guardians technically have nothing on the line for game 162, Cleveland still made one roster move before the regular season finale.
Austin Peterson Recalled From Triple-A
Austin Peterson was recalled on Sunday morning and is joining the Guardians roster for the final regular-season game of the 2026 season.
The pitching prospect appeared in one big league game earlier this season, throwing two innings against the Detroit Tigers. In that short outing, Petreson gave up just one hit, no earned runs, issued zero walks, including three strikeouts.
Peterson was primarily used as a starter during his Minor League season, but will have an opportunity to make an impact for the Guardians out of the bullpen in game 162.
Cleveland officially has been awarded a bye in the playoffs after winning the American League Central, meaning they have a full week off, so Parker Messick will start for the Guardians on Sunday afternoon.
That said, it’s hard to see him going more than four or five innings or reaching a very specific pitch count. Considering Cleveland will need to find a way to cover the rest of the game, that opens up an opportunity for Peterson to pitch.
Even though the Minor League season is now over, the Guardians have been holding a “hot camp” in Columbus for players who aren’t on the active roster but are still on the 40-man roster, including Peterson.
Even though Peterson hasn’t pitched in a game in a few weeks, he should still be prepared to provide Cleveland several innings of relief if his number is called upon on Sunday.
Sep 5, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Austin Peterson (49) throws a pitch during the eighth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn ImagesCraig Yoho Optioned to Triple-A
To make room for Peterson on the big-league roster, the Guardians decided to option Craig Yoho to Triple-A.
Yoho has shown some positives and some negatives since being traded to Cleveland two months ago. He’s given up 14 earned runs in 18.1 innings pitched. The 26-year-old has slightly above-average strikeout numbers, but has still struggled with command at times.
Yoho most recently pitched on Saturday night against the Royals, so optioning him allowed Cleveland to add a fully rested arm to its bullpen.
Again, even though there are no more Triple-A games in 2026, Yoho will join the hot camp in Columbus and will be a candidate for the playoff roster when the American League Division Series starts next Saturday.
