Cleveland Guardians right-handed pitcher Slade Cecconi (oblique) threw a bullpen session on Sunday. Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt noted that the 25-year-old "looked really good." This is an excellent sign for Cecconi as he has yet to make his 2025 season debut. Cecconi is working his way back from a left oblique strain he suffered in March. Last summer, the Miami product logged 77 innings to the tune of a 6.66 ERA with a 1.42 WHIP. He appeared in 20 games and was given the starting nod in 13 of them. Under the hood, Cecconi generated a modest 4.52 xERA with a .256 xBA, which placed him in the 24th and 25th percentile, respectively. Fantasy managers should expect Cecconi to embark on a rehab assignment if he continues to progress well. When cleared to return, he will likely make his season debut out of the bullpen.

Cleveland Guardians pitcher Slade Cecconi (oblique) will open the regular season on the injured list. The right-hander is working his way back from a mild oblique strain and won't be ready within the next week or so. The good news is, Cecconi is still throwing, but will still need more time to get ready for game action. Cecconi was part of the trade that sent Josh Naylor to the Arizona Diamondbacks earlier this offseason. He has pitched as both a reliever and starter throughout his career, but was stretching out to be in the rotation for Cleveland. Last season, Cecconi registered an ugly 6.66 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, and 64/17 K/BB ratio across 20 games (13 starts) with the D-Backs. The organization should give a better timetable on Cecconi within the next week or two.

According to Zack Meisel of The Athletic, Cleveland Guardians pitcher Slade Cecconi will be built up as a starting pitcher during spring training. Meisel noted that manager Stephen Vogt has "raved" about Cecconi's pure stuff and that he has already been making adjustments to his delivery. Currently, the Guardians have several pitchers with starting experience and will likely have competition during spring training. Cecconi made 13 starts last season (20 games) and held a 6.66 ERA with a 1.42 WHIP. He struck out 64 batters across 77 innings. Fantasy managers should expect Cecconi to compete for the final spot in the rotation alongside Luis Ortiz. However, with Shane Bieber returning from Tommy John and Triston McKenzie's struggles, Cecconi may have a viable path to finding a role in the starting rotation. For now, he should only be targeted in deeper AL-only formats.

According to Jeff Passan, right-handed pitcher Slade Cecconi was traded to the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for first baseman Josh Naylor. Cecconi has spent his entire professional career in the Arizona Diamondbacks system. He made his major league debut in 2023 and posted a 4.33 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP across 27 innings. Last summer, posted a high 6.66 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP across 77 innings. The Miami product bounced between the rotation and the bullpen during both of his major league stints. In the minor leagues he operated primarily as a starter and held a 5.23 ERA and 1.27 WHIP through 163 1/3 innings. Despite his high ratios, he possess great command as he posted an impressive 5.0% walk rate. With the Guardians losing Matthew Boyd earlier this offseason to the Chicago Cubs, Cecconi could have an opportunity to compete for a spot in the starting rotation during Spring Training.

Arizona Diamondbacks pitching prospect Slade Cecconi was selected 33rd overall pick in the 2020 draft. He appeared in seven MLB games last season but retains his prospect status. Furthermore, given the Diamondbacks' strong rotation, there was simply no room for Cecconi in the Opening Day rotation. The right-hander boasts an impressive four-pitch mix, and while he has nearly hit 100 mph with his heater, Cecconi's best results come when throwing the breaking ball. Cecconi made his 2024 debut last week in a start for the Reno Aces. He tossed five no-hit innings, allowing just two walks and striking out five batters. He was also quite efficient, requiring just 68 pitches before being replaced. Although he won't be an MLB ace anytime soon, Cecconi could be the first player called up when a Diamondbacks starter gets hurt.