Cleveland Guardians’ Slade Cecconi’s struggles on the mound raise tough questions about his start to 2026, even without an option to replace him. Was the Guardians offense bad vs. the Astros or unlucky, leaving plenty of chances on the bases? Justin Lada and Jeff Ellis break down the Guardians’ 9–2 loss to the Astros, looking Cecconi’s diminished velocity, lack of an out-pitch, and why his metrics suggest bigger issues ahead. We also shine a ligtht on ofensive underperformers like Chase DeLauter and Steven Kwan, alongside strong performances from José Ramírez and Brayan Rocchio. We also get into the bullpen’s volatility, including Connor Brogdon’s recent woes, and debate whether now is the time for roster shakeups or reinforcements like Cooper Ingle. Should Cleveland ride out early bumps, or make urgent moves? Plus, Daniel Schneemann’s hot streak, the need for everyday contributors, and when prospects like Daniel Espino could factor into the Guardians’ future plans.

00:00 Discussing Guardians' starting pitching

04:40 Evaluating pitcher performance stats

06:51 Pitcher struggles with exit velocities

14:42 Struggling with off-speed pitches

17:16 What's Chris Bassitt's (and Justin's) age again

21:22 Team changes and sweet cravings

25:52 Evaluating current player performance

27:51 Discussing Slade's performance and options

30:11 Managing bullpen challenges

33:52 Analyzing player availability

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonguardians.supercast.com

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY

The funfetti flavor is BACK on https://5hourEnergy.com or Amazon, crack open Confetti Craze 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today!

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-guardians/

Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More

🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/mlb/

#Guardians #ClevelandGuardians #MLB

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.