Guardians Rookie Lefty Joey Cantillo Making Strong Case for Playoff Roster Spot
In a season filled with surprises and unexpected heroes, Cleveland Guardians rookie left-handed pitcher Joey Cantillo has emerged as a potential key player for the team’s postseason run. Despite starting the season in Triple-A Columbus, Cantillo has quickly made a name for himself in the majors since his debut on July 28.
Cantillo, who will be turning 25 in December, has shown remarkable poise and skill on the mound, posting a 2-3 record with a 4.63 ERA in eight appearances. In his three starts since being called up to the big leagues, Cantillo has been particularly impressive, allowing just three runs (two earned) with eight hits and four walks while striking out 22 batters in 16 1/3 innings, resulting in a perfect 2-0 record.
One of Cantillo’s standout performances came in a crucial game against the Minnesota Twins, where he pitched 4 1/3 innings, giving up just two runs (one earned) on three hits and three walks. His solid outing helped the Guardians secure a 3-2 victory in 10 innings, clinching a playoff spot for the team with a record of 91-67.
For Cantillo, who wasn’t initially expected to play a significant role in the Guardians’ plans this season, the opportunity to contribute to a playoff-bound team has been a dream come true. “It’s the best thing in the world,” Cantillo expressed, reflecting on the excitement of being part of a postseason contender.
Guardians Look to Sweep Reds in Playoff Tune-Up
As the Guardians gear up for the postseason, they are focused on finishing the regular season strong with a two-game home series against the Cincinnati Reds. After securing the American League Central Division title and a bye into the AL Division Series with a 6-1 victory over the Reds on Tuesday, Cleveland aims to sweep their in-state rivals with Cantillo leading the charge on the mound.
Facing the Reds for the first time in his career, Cantillo remains unfazed by the pressure, knowing that his team has already secured their playoff berth. With the guidance of seasoned players like Lane Thomas, who has been a force at the plate with seven home runs and 20 RBIs in September, the Guardians are looking to build momentum heading into the postseason.
Thomas, who hit a two-run homer and drove in three RBIs in Tuesday’s victory, emphasized the importance of maintaining their winning ways as they prepare for the playoffs. With a lifetime .280 batting average against the Reds, Thomas’s leadership and offensive prowess have been instrumental in the Guardians’ success throughout the season.
Meanwhile, the Reds find themselves in a challenging position, having dropped four of their last five games and secured a losing season after finishing above .500 in three of the past four campaigns. The recent dismissal of manager David Bell has added to the team’s struggles, with interim leadership seeking to rally the players for a strong finish to the season.
Reds Turn to Jakob Junis for Strong Finish
In the midst of a turbulent season, the Cincinnati Reds are looking to right the ship with the help of pitcher Jakob Junis, who has been a bright spot in their rotation. Acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers at the trade deadline, Junis has quickly made an impact with a stellar 4-0 record and a 2.61 ERA in 13 appearances for the Reds.
Despite being scratched from his scheduled start on Tuesday due to personal reasons, Junis remains a key asset for the Reds as they look towards the future. With just two earned runs allowed, six hits, and one walk in 20 innings of work, Junis has shown his ability to deliver quality starts and keep his team in contention.
Looking ahead to his matchup against the Guardians, Junis will aim to improve his career record of 3-9 with a 6.41 ERA in 18 appearances (15 starts) against Cleveland. With the likes of All-Star slugger Jose Ramirez posing a threat at the plate, Junis will need to bring his A-game to contain the Guardians’ potent offense.
As the regular season draws to a close and the postseason looms, both the Guardians and the Reds are looking to finish strong and set the stage for what promises to be an exciting playoff run. With emerging stars like Cantillo and Junis stepping up on the mound, fans can expect thrilling matchups and memorable moments as the journey towards the World Series unfolds.
