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.
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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.
