Could sending Joey Cantillo to Columbus be part of a larger plan for the Cleveland Guardians?

The Cleveland Guardians made a roster move on Monday ahead of their four-game series with the Minnesota Twins. Left-handed pitcher Joey Cantillo has been optioned to Triple-A Columbus, while Cody Bolton has been promoted to the major league roster.

Considering that the Guardians are coming off of a weekend series that featured a doubleheader on Saturday and a game on Sunday afternoon that required multiple bullpen arms, this transaction could just be a way for Cleveland to ensure they have enough available relief arms. But, what if it is something more than that, what if there is something much larger in play?

It is not exactly a secret that Cleveland's starting rotation has left a lot to be desired this season. Entering play on Monday, the Guardians rotation has the 27th-ranked ERA (5.06) and 28th WHIP (1.50), this is not remotely close to the level of performance required of a team looking to contend in 2025. Could Cantillo being sent back to Columbus a way to potentially help rectify this issue?

Cantillo has only made eight major league starts (all coming in 2024), but 81 of his 99 minor league appearances have been starts. Having Cantillo get stretched out in Columbus, hoping he can claim a rotation spot in Cleveland upon his return, does not seem like the most far-fetched idea. The Guardians know that the current collective performance of their rotation is not up to an acceptable standard, and they must explore ways to correct that.

Cleveland has already been in rotation shuffle mode in the first month of the season, having designated Triston McKenzie for assignment after his continued struggles on the mound. Not helping matters is that rookie left-hander Doug Nikhazy was roughed up in the Major League Debut on Saturday, and while it was just one start, there is a lot of work that needs to be done before he should be considered for another.

RIght now, the Guardians must sort through any possible solution to their lack of starting pitching problem and giving Cantillo a genuine shot to claim a spot in their rotation could be a way to do just that.