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There was a lot of hype and excitement for Franco Aleman when the Cleveland Guardians called him up from Triple-A Columbus to make his MLB debut earlier in the week.
However, shortly after the Guardians added him to the big-league roster, they optioned him back down to the Minor Leagues and called up another reliever, Codi Heuer, to take his spot on the roster.
By all indications and stats, Aleman has the potential to not just be a long-term member of Cleveland’s bullpen. His elite fastball and strikeout rate also make him a possible high-leverage option at some point in his career.
So, why did the Guardians decide to option Aleman back down after just two outings?
Manager Stephen Vogt explained on Wednesday that the decision simply came down to the Guardians' current bullpen depth and the need for a fresh arm.
“Just the position we're in right now, we needed some innings today, with where the bullpen is,” explained Cleveland’s skipper. “So Codi will be with us, which we're really excited. [He] had a great spring [and] off to a great start in Columbus; so, really excited to have Codi here.”
May 10, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Franco Aleman (55) throws a pitch during the seventh inning against the Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
As Vogt mentioned, Heuer has been throwing the ball incredibly well at Triple-A so far this season. He owns a 2.57 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP with a strikeout rate of 21 percent.
Heuer is also the type of pitcher who can provide multiple innings out of the bullpen. With the Guardians fresh off a 13-game stretch, that is definitely a valuable asset, even with Thursday’s off-day.
As for Aleman, this roster move doesn’t mean his big-league career is over. In fact, Vogt still expects the rookie to be back with the big-league roster at some point this season.
In the right-hander's first MLB stint, Aleman threw 2.2 innings in two games, giving up three hits, one earned run, one strikeout, and one walk.
The manager continued. “Franco threw the ball excellent. Two great outings. I mean, we threw him in the eighth inning, two-run game, because we had that kind of confidence in him. So we know Franco will be back to help us win a ton of games.”
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However, shortly after the Guardians added him to the big-league roster, they optioned him back down to the Minor Leagues and called up another reliever, Codi Heuer, to take his spot on the roster.
By all indications and stats, Aleman has the potential to not just be a long-term member of Cleveland’s bullpen. His elite fastball and strikeout rate also make him a possible high-leverage option at some point in his career.
So, why did the Guardians decide to option Aleman back down after just two outings?
Manager Stephen Vogt explained on Wednesday that the decision simply came down to the Guardians' current bullpen depth and the need for a fresh arm.
“Just the position we're in right now, we needed some innings today, with where the bullpen is,” explained Cleveland’s skipper. “So Codi will be with us, which we're really excited. [He] had a great spring [and] off to a great start in Columbus; so, really excited to have Codi here.”
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May 10, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Franco Aleman (55) throws a pitch during the seventh inning against the Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
As Vogt mentioned, Heuer has been throwing the ball incredibly well at Triple-A so far this season. He owns a 2.57 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP with a strikeout rate of 21 percent.
Heuer is also the type of pitcher who can provide multiple innings out of the bullpen. With the Guardians fresh off a 13-game stretch, that is definitely a valuable asset, even with Thursday’s off-day.
As for Aleman, this roster move doesn’t mean his big-league career is over. In fact, Vogt still expects the rookie to be back with the big-league roster at some point this season.
In the right-hander's first MLB stint, Aleman threw 2.2 innings in two games, giving up three hits, one earned run, one strikeout, and one walk.
The manager continued. “Franco threw the ball excellent. Two great outings. I mean, we threw him in the eighth inning, two-run game, because we had that kind of confidence in him. So we know Franco will be back to help us win a ton of games.”
Guardians Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Guardians. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.
Continue reading...
