Guardians Analysis: Franco Aleman Gets the Call
After a long wait, it’s finally time to see Franco Aleman on a mound in Cleveland. The 26 year-old, 6-foot-6 specimen of a reliever finally gets the call. BBWA writer Francys Romero reports the call has been made on Twitter: Sources: The Cleveland Guardians are promoting Cuban right-hander pitcher Franco Aleman to MLB.
Aleman, 26, has not allowed a run this season in Triple-A Columbus, with 12 innings pitched and 18 strikeouts. His fastball velocity ranges between 95–99 mph. — Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) May 8, 2026 I am not sure who @MayDayTimes is, but they had it first: Franco Aleman confirmed to be making debut this weekend, he will be in Cleveland as early as today per sources.
#GuardsBall — Kai ❤️💛 (@MayDayTimes) May 8, 2026 The big righty reliever had gone through ups and downs in Columbus, primarily with location, but 2026 has seen him completely dominate Triple-A. So where does Aleman fit? That answer is easy: wherever he’s needed.
The Guardians bullpen, outside of Erik Sabrowski and recently Matt Festa and Cade Smith, has been abysmal. Colin Holderman has been better lately but isn’t used in big spots. Peyton Pallette can’t find the zone (16.
4% BB%), Connor Brogdon has been rough and is coming off an outing where he gave up back to back home runs to Bobby Witt and Vinnie Pasquantino, and Tim Herrin has a horseshoe you know where as he’s running a -4. 1% K-BB% but hasn’t allowed an earned run. So yes, Aleman can and will slide in wherever he’s needed, the question just becomes can he throw enough strikes?