3 things to watch as the Guardians enter the home stretch 

What a month it’s been for the Cleveland Guardians. We’ve had a disastrous losing streak, a recent return to form and postseason hopes that are hanging on by a thread. 

But even if the Guardians don’t make the postseason, there are still plenty of things to watch with them across the final month of the season. Here are three of the biggest storylines that we’re going to be watching. 

3 things to watch as the Guardians enter the home stretch 

Is Cade Smith the answer at closer? 

Cade Smith had long been viewed as the Guardians’ closer in waiting behind Emmanuel Clase, but he got thrust into the closer role sooner than anyone was expecting due to Clase’s suspension. 

But his setup dominance hasn’t translated to success as a closer, as he’s posted a 4.50 ERA in 16 innings since taking over as closer. His latest blow-up came on Tuesday when he allowed three runs without getting an out in the Guardians’ loss to the Red Sox. 

Even if Smith still ranks in the top percentile in whiff rate and strikeout rate (and has an expected ERA that’s nearly below his actual ERA), hitters are slugging .400 or better on his sweeper and splitter. 

There was no way for the Guardians to prepare for Clase’s suspension, but there was a chance they would have traded Clase at the deadline, which would have thrust Smith into the closer’s role regardless.

Back-end relievers are an expensive commodity in free agency and the trade market, but the Guardians may be forced to turn over some rocks to find the answer. 

Is Brayan Rocchio’s strong run of play a mirage?

About an hour before Smith was on the mound for the Guardians’ implosion against the Red Sox, Rocchio kept Cleveland in the game with a majestic home run over the Green Monster. 

It’s the fourth homer Rocchio’s hit since being recalled from Triple-A at the beginning of July — a span in which he’s hitting .271 with a .723 OPS. Rocchio’s also showed some versatility by playing at second base, though he’s moved back to shortstop recently due to Gabriel Arias’ injury. 

Earlier this year, it seemed like Rocchio was destined to be a non-tender candidate after the season due to his slow start, but he’s been one of the team’s best hitters over the past two months. He’s never going to be a slugging superstar infielder, but his contact approach has been a godsend for the Guardians at the bottom of the lineup. 

The Guardians are going to enter the offseason with plenty of question marks across their roster, but Rocchio’s emergence has removed one of those question marks. 

Starters… so many starters

On Tuesday, Guardians manager Stephen Vogt announced that the Guardians were recalling Joey Cantillo to start today’s game, and that the team would be shifting to a six-man starting rotation. 

Cantillo showed some flashes earlier this year in his first stint in the Guardians' rotation, but his ceiling was always hampered by his inability to consistently attack the strike zone. THat will likely be his main focus for the final month of the season. 

Meanwhile, rookie Parker Messick has done nothing but attack the strike zone since being recalled, though his start against the Red Sox on Monday didn’t go great. 

You could argue that every starter in the Guardians’ rotation has a legitimate case to be in the team’s rotation next year, but that doesn’t mean that they’re a lock to return.