MLB

Guardians Add Slade Cecconi for ALCS Against Tampa Bay

Cleveland replaced Daniel Schneemann with Cecconi, adding a 13th pitcher after its five-game Division Series.

Cleveland Guardians players celebrate their ALDS victory.
Cleveland players celebrate after winning ALDS Game 5 against Chicago on October 10, 2026. · Credit: MLB.com; photographer not identified in the source

The Cleveland Guardians added right-hander Slade Cecconi to their American League Championship Series roster Monday, replacing utility player Daniel Schneemann.

The move gives Cleveland 13 pitchers for the best-of-seven series against Tampa Bay. The Guardians had carried 12 pitchers and 14 position players during their five-game Division Series win over the Chicago White Sox.

Cecconi went 5–7 with a 4.91 ERA in 28 regular-season appearances, including 21 starts. His experience in both starting and relief roles gives manager Stephen Vogt another option for covering innings.

Cleveland used its staff heavily while coming back from a 2–0 ALDS deficit. An additional pitcher supplies fresh coverage as the schedule moves into a longer round.

Schneemann did not appear in the Division Series. Leaving him off trades some bench versatility for pitching depth, a balance the Guardians chose to adjust after advancing.

Cecconi had been left off Cleveland’s ALDS roster. Monday’s selection brings him back into the postseason group for the matchup with the Rays.

The full group includes 13 pitchers, two catchers, six infielders and five outfielders, according to the club’s roster announcement.

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