Watching the First Full Slate of Guardians’ Affiliates

GOODYEAR, ARIZONA - MARCH 16, 2026: Kahl Stephen #32 of the Cleveland Guardians throws a pitch during a minor league spring training game against the Texas Rangers at Goodyear Ballpark on March 16, 2026 in Goodyear, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images Today is the first day that all Cleveland Guardians’ minor league affiliates will play baseball (weather-permitting) – rejoice! The new look Hill City Howlers will take on the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers at 7pm ET in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Joey Oakie will take the mound for the Howlers after opening some eyes in the Spring Breakout game with electric stuff. The Showtime Lake County Captains open at home against the West Michigan Whitecaps at 6:35PM where Justin Campbell will take the mound for the Captains. Campbell was an exciting arm when the Guardians drafted him in , but he has yet to be seen in minor league affiliated baseball due to a series of unfortunate injuries.

It’ll be exciting for Campbell, for the Guardians’ organization and for Guardians’ fans to see him pitch tonight and show if he’s still got some of the potential he had when they drafted him. The Akron Rubber Ducks also open at home against the Reading Fightin’ Phils at 6:35PM ET. Most excitingly for me, Khal Stephen takes the mound for the Ducks.

I had been concerned about Stephen’s health when he did not make an appearance in any major league spring training games or in the spring breakout game, but it appears he is ready to go. He was the return for the Guardians’ trading of Shane Bieber to the Blue Jays, and he has some very Bieber-like traits. Stephen having a strong first half would go a long way in strengthening the upper level depth of this organization for starting pitching.