Slade Cecconi’s Slow Start Continues in Guardians Loss to Astros

Slade Cecconi came into the 2026 season hoping to build off of a fairly successful first year with the Cleveland Guardians organization. However, five starts into the new year, and the starting pitcher isn’t in the position he or the team wants him to be in. Those struggles continued on Monday evening as the Houston Astros got aggressive against Cleveland’s starter and scored six earned runs before the Guardians had a chance to blink, leading to a 9-2 loss for the Guardians in the series opener.

When his outing was over, Cecconi ended up allowing 10 hits, issuing a pair of walks, and only striking out two batters in 5. 0 innings of work. The command was actually pretty good, and that was part of the problem.

Cecconi left a lot of pitches in the zone, and when the Astros hit them, they hit them hard. One of Cecconi’s biggest struggles in this outing against Houston has been one that’s been a recurring problem all year, and that’s giving up hard contact. Cecconi gave up multiple hits with an exit velocity that exceeded 100 mph, including two home runs.

Even with Cleveland having an above-average defense, giving up hard contact, hoping to get groundouts and lineouts isn’t a sustainable recipe for success, and Cecconi is learning that right now. Apr 20, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Slade Cecconi (44) throws a pitch against the Houston Astros during the first inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images Manager Stephen Vogt actually liked Cecconi’s fastball, but “just not crispy with his other stuff.