AL Central: Who loses rotation spot when Bieber returns?

Cleveland Guardians

Luis L. Ortiz may be out of the picture for an extended period, but even without him, the rotation mix is about to be crowded. There will be six pitchers for five spots once Shane Bieber returns, with no clear casualty upon his activation. 

Bieber, who underwent Tommy John surgery last April, has been throwing bullpen sessions and live BP and is on the verge of the next step. He is set to embark on a rehab assignment in the very near future, and a return in late July or early August appears likely, assuming there are no setbacks. 

Joey Cantillo has a 34% K% and 15.7% SwK in two starts since returning to the rotation. He got up to 84 pitches in his most recent start, registering 7 K across 4 IP. Though walks remain an...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

Brody Hopkins is showing control improvements in Triple-A - could it be enough to get a shot in the majors? Plus, Judge injury fallout in NYY, rotation updates in BOS and BAL, and more.
Jun 9 2026 3:05am
We take a tour of NL West prospects with Ryan somewhere in their names and then use team-wide stats to look at why the Padres have had success while the Giants have struggled mightily.
Jun 6 2026 8:34pm
Royals closer Lucas Erceg has been a mess lately—who could the team turn to as a replacement? Plus, CHW outfield playing time outlook, hitting prospects learning new positions in CLE, the nearly-restored rotation in DET, and Royce Lewis tearing it up in Triple-A for the Twins.
Jun 4 2026 3:05am
Miami's rotation has sustained casualties and attrition, leaving a thinned-out platoon—and opportunity. Plus: Manaea at NYM; prospect SS in PHI; prospect SP in WAS; SS in ATL; more.
Jun 3 2026 10:15am

Tools