Slade Cecconi steps into the Guardians’ rotation after Ben Lively’s injury. Can the former top prospect solidify his role in Cleveland?

The Reds made it 4-1 in the seventh on a two-out homer by Rece Hinds. Jakob Junis started the inning in place of Smith and was greeted by a single by Matt McClain. Jose Trevino grounded into a double play, but Hinds, the No.9 hitter, homered to center.

The Guardians acquired Cecconi from Arizona in exchange for first baseman Josh Naylor in December. He didn’t show much rust on Saturday despite it being his first big-league start since Sept. 11, 2024, allowing only two hits with six strikeouts through four innings before Benson’s homer.