Overview
- A report from Francys Romero, echoed by multiple outlets, says Cleveland is bringing up right-hander Franco Aleman from Triple-A Columbus for his first big-league appearance, though the team has not announced the move.
- Aleman has opened 2026 with 12 scoreless innings and 18 strikeouts at Triple-A, leaning on a four-seam fastball that touches 99 mph and a slider.
- The 26-year-old shifted this year to a simpler four-seam fastball and slider plan after mixing sinkers in past seasons, and the change has produced his best results.
- He was a 2021 tenth-round pick out of Florida, joined the 40-man roster after 2024 to avoid Rule 5 exposure, and returned from a 2024 lat strain and 2025 hernia surgery after a rough Triple-A season last year.
- Guardians relievers have a mid-pack ERA but give up too many fly balls and homers, so Aleman’s velocity could help, while his remaining option years let the club move him between Columbus and Cleveland as he tries to earn a spot.