Cleveland Guardians fans haven’t forgotten about Josh Naylor, but they do feel much better about the trade that sent him to the Arizona Diamondbacks last Dec. 21.
Slade Cecconi, who was acquired along with a draft pick for the cleanup-hitting slugger, has been the Guardians’ most consistent starter over the past five weeks. The right-hander is 4-1 in six starts during that span.
Cecconi (5-4, 3.84 ERA) takes on fellow right-hander Zach Eflin (6-5, 5.95) in the third contest of Baltimore’s four-game series in Cleveland on Wednesday.
The Guardians have won 10 of their past 12 games, including the first two in their set against the Orioles to creep back within 2 1/2 games of the final American League wild-card spot. They had lost 10 in a row prior to this surge.
“Sometimes it doesn’t go your way for a while,” Cecconi said. “But that’s what makes you ready to take advantage when it starts going your way and everything is clicking.”
Cleveland has outscored Baltimore 16-8 in the series, also extending its homer streak to 12 straight games while moving back to .500 (50-50).
“I love where we’re at,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. “Our starting pitching has been great, our defense has been great, our hitting has been great. We have 62 games left. Let’s go, let’s not stop.”
Seven-time All-Star third baseman Jose Ramirez has seven homers in his past 12 contests, and shortstop Brayan Rocchio is batting .325 with 11 RBIs during the same span.
“I got the best third baseman in the league next to me,” Rocchio said. “That’s awesome to see him play every day. I just do everything I can to help the team. Bunting, running, everything.”
Cecconi has only pitched once against Baltimore and is 0-1, giving up six runs in 3 1/3 innings in a 7-3 loss two years ago while a member of the Diamondbacks. Eflin is 1-1 in his career against the Guardians with a 7.71 ERA in two starts.
Free-agent-to-be Eflin gave up 17 runs and 27 hits over his final nine innings (three starts) before going on the injured list on June 30 with lower back discomfort. He will be activated to start in Cleveland, knowing it could be his last appearance with Baltimore.
“(General manager Mike Elias) and the organization have the opportunity to embrace the success of the Baltimore Orioles for years to come,” said Baltimore interim manager Tony Mansolino, who is 29-28 since taking over for the dismissed Brandon Hyde.
“But for me and our staff, our mindset is to win every game.”
Another Orioles veteran who could be on the move before the July 31 trade deadline is Ramon Laureano, who is making $4 million this season with a team option for 2026. The former Guardians outfielder has two homers and five RBIs in the series.
“Personally, I don’t feel any pressure now,” said Laureano, who is hitting .279 with 13 home runs and 41 RBIs on the season. “It’s not the first time I’ve seen my name mentioned (in trade rumors).”
“It’s part of the game, part of the season we’re in,” he continued. “I just see the ball, hit the ball and play my game.”