Joey Cantillo struggles in Cleveland Guardians start against Baltimore Orioles

Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Joey Cantillo recorded a short outing on Monday afternoon during the series opener against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Manager Stephen Vogt pulled Cantillo in the third inning after the left-hander struggled with control, throwing 72 pitches with 51 percent landing outside the strike zone. Cantillo issued five walks during the appearance, continuing a trend of inconsistency observed over the last month of the season. Following the game, Cantillo identified a need to return to his earlier form by challenging hitters in the zone more aggressively. The pitcher cited a lack of focus and execution as primary reasons for his recent performance dip. With the regular season nearing its conclusion, the Guardians face decisions regarding his continued role in the starting rotation if he fails to regain his command.

• 1:39 AMYahoo Sports — Guardians’ Joey Cantillo Gets Honest About Recent Stretch