Slade Cecconi steps up as Ben Lively undergoes surgery

In May 2025, Cleveland Guardians right-handed pitcher Ben Lively was announced to undergo Tommy John surgery for a right elbow injury, which will sidelined him for the rest of the season. The decision came after a frustrating few weeks for Lively, who was placed on the injured list due to a strained right flexor tendon. Initial examinations indicated a flexor tendon injury, and following a second opinion from Dr. Keith Meister, the need for reconstruction surgery was confirmed. This injury significantly affects the Guardians' pitching rotation, making it imperative for the team to adjust quickly and effectively. With Lively's absence, Slade Cecconi has stepped into the rotation to fill the gap. Acquired by the Guardians in an offseason trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Cecconi has faced his own share of challenges, including a left oblique strain during spring training. He made his major league debut with the Diamondbacks in August 2023 and experienced some struggles with command and control. In his last season with the Diamondbacks, he recorded a 2-7 record alongside a 6.66 ERA in 77 innings pitched, making it clear that his performance needed improvement. Despite these challenges, Cecconi has shown promise and possesses a diverse pitching repertoire, which includes a fastball that reaches up to 95 miles per hour. The Guardians hope that this potential translates into solid performances that can help stabilize the team's starting rotation during Lively's recovery. In an initial start for the Guardians, Cecconi demonstrated his capabilities, striking out eight batters without issuing a walk, showcasing the attributes that made him a valuable asset for the organization. As the Guardians navigate through this tumultuous phase without Lively, they remain cautiously optimistic about Cecconi’s ability to develop into a consistent starting pitcher. The front office and coaching staff are eager for Cecconi to embrace this opportunity and solidify a permanent role, which could be vital for the team's pitching depth. The upcoming months will be critical for both Lively's recovery process and Cecconi's growth as an integral piece of the Guardians’ pitching staff. If Cecconi can harness his potential and improve his control, he may solve some of the team's immediate pitching needs and help mitigate the loss of Lively in the rotation.