The Cleveland Guardians made two roster moves affecting their pitching staff ahead of their matchup with the San Diego Padres.
Every team in Major League Baseball is getting to the point of the regular season where their pitching staffs are gassed and are looking for some fresh arms to cover innings, and the Cleveland Guardians are no exception.
That reality is what fueled Cleveland's roster moves on Saturday as they look to tie up their series against the San Diego Padres.
Franco Aleman Optioned to Triple-A
Franco Aleman has had an up-and-down rookie season with the Guardians up to this point.
He's pitched 18.2 innings over 18 games this season and owns a 3.38 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP in those outings. Aleman's devastating fastball has also played at the big-league level, logging an average velocity of 96.8 mph and a strikeout rate of 26.8 percent.
The reality for the Guardians, though, is that the team simply needs to fresh arms in the bullpen, and Aleman has been heavily used over the last week.
The right-hander has pitched three times over the last four days, for a total of 49 pitches. He wouldn't have been able to throw for the next couple of days anyway, and Cleveland needs the bullpen depth.
"He's shared his growth in that with us that 'I've never pitched this much in my life. I've never gotten up, gotten hot, sat down then pitch the next day then have to pitch the day after that'" explained manager Stephen Vogt.
"[He's] really learning how to dial in terms of to keep himself fresh and strong and ready and every Major League reliever goes through that at some point."
Based on Vogt's comments, it would be shocking if Aleman wasn't back up with the big-league team at some point this season, but the Guardians just need a fresh arm in the bullpen right now.
Aug 1, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Franco Aleman (55) reacts after a three-run home run by Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Corbin Carroll (not pictured) during the seventh inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn ImagesLogan Allen Recalled From Triple-A
Taking Aleman's spot on the roster and in the bullpen is Logan Allen, who the team recalled from Columbus.
The primary thing that Allen brings to the reliever core is the ability to throw multiple innings. Of course, he's a starter by trade, but he has experience pitching out of the bullpen, too.
Allen's has pitched in two games at the big-league level in 2026 and has given up two earned runs in 7.1 innings.
Cleveland's skipper said the organization has been encouraged by Allen's recent stretch at the Minor League level and his mindset of attacking the zone. The left-hander has a 4.37 ERA in 19 starts at Triple-A in 2026.
If Joey Cantillo struggles to get deep into Saturday evening's game, it would be shocking to see Allen take the mound for multiple innings.
