Alex Cobb dazzles in return from injured list, flirts with Perfect Game

It was a triumphant return to the mound for Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Alex Cobb. After spending some time on the injured list with a fractured fingernail, Cobb was activated and added back to the major league roster to face the Pittsburgh Pirates. Cobb made sure to make everyone aware that he was more than ready to be a vital part of Cleveland's rotation for the stretch run with his performance on Sunday.

The 36-year-old veteran carried a Perfect Game into the 7th inning before giving up an infield single to Isiah Kiner-Falefa. It was an awkward series of events as Cobb attempted to field the comebacker but ended up falling onto the ground while losing his perfect game big. There was some initial concern about another potential injury to Cobb, given how he went to the ground and laid there for a moment, but he was able to get back up and face one more batter before exiting the game. The Guardians would go on to win by a score of 7-1, powered by Cobb's performance on the mound and Kyle Manzardo's two home runs in his return to the majors.

Even though losing the Perfect Game attempt after completing two-thirds of the game is a little bit of a disappointment, considering Cleveland has not registered a Perfect Game or no-hitter since Len Barker's Perfecto in 1981. However, that should not be the primary focus here.

Seeing Cobb shut down the Pirates in the manner he managed to is definitely an encouraging sign for the state of their rotation moving forward. The Guardians have seen many arms take the mound this season, with few of them being able to stick. Having Cobb emerge as a legitimate option for the stretch run and into the postseason could be a huge difference-maker for their chances as they look to secure the American League Central title and prepare for the playoffs. There is still a little ways to go, but seeing Cobb return to the mound without missing a beat should bode well moving forward.