The Guardians announced several roster changes this morning, notably promoting right-hander Connor Gillispie and recalling righty Eli Morgan. To make room, rookie left-hander Joey Cantillo and right-hander Xzavion Curry were sent to Triple-A.
Gillispie, 26, was initially drafted by the Orioles in 2019 and joined the Guardians via the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft last winter. At Triple-A, he’s shifted between starting and relief roles, posting a 4.01 ERA over 89 2/3 innings across 20 appearances (11 starts). Despite a decent 23.3% strikeout rate, his 10.5% walk rate and 19 home runs allowed (17% of fly balls hit off him) are concerning. It’s unclear whether Gillispie will start or relieve for the Guardians, but he is rested and ready to contribute.
Cleveland’s rotation currently includes Gavin Williams, Tanner Bibee, Ben Lively, and Carlos Carrasco, with a gap for a fifth starter. Veteran Alex Cobb, acquired from the Giants, is expected to join the rotation soon but is not immediately available. The optioning of Curry opens a bullpen spot for a long reliever.
Morgan returns to the majors with a strong 1.98 ERA and 2.80 FIP over 13 2/3 innings, despite a low 17.9% walk rate. In Triple-A, he has posted a 2.70 ERA with a 22.9% strikeout rate in 16 2/3 innings. Morgan has been a reliable reliever for the Guardians over the past two years, with a 3.69 ERA and 3.73 FIP in 134 innings.
Cantillo, 24, showed promise in Triple-A before struggling with a 7.36 ERA in two major league starts. He will return to the minors to refine his skills. Curry, 26, who had a solid 4.07 ERA last year, has struggled this season with a 5.84 ERA in seven appearances (four starts). He will also head to Triple-A, likely to get another chance to prove himself later this year.