Guardians Make Roster Move Amid AL Wild Card Race

Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Guardians Make Roster Move Amid AL Wild Card Race

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Miracle Dimwesh | Last updated Sep 6, 2026 2:34 PM ET

The Cleveland Guardians are making another bullpen adjustment as they continue battling for a spot in the American League postseason.

Cleveland recalled right-handed reliever Franco Aleman from Triple-A Columbus and optioned Austin Peterson back to the minors ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Detroit Tigers.

The move comes just one day after Peterson made an impressive major league debut for the Guardians. The 26-year-old worked two scoreless innings, allowing one hit and striking out three batters.

However, after throwing 31 pitches Saturday, Peterson was unlikely to be available for Sunday’s series finale.

GuardsInsider reported the roster move on X, with Cleveland opting to bring in a fresh arm as the club continues navigating a tight playoff race.

Franco Aleman has been recalled.#GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/m5JGQeQNRn
— GuardsInsider (@GuardsInsider) September 6, 2026

Aleman returns after previously spending time with the Guardians earlier this season.

The right-hander made 18 appearances for Cleveland, posting a 3.38 ERA with 22 strikeouts across 18 2/3 innings before returning to Columbus.

Aleman has also performed well at Triple-A, where he has posted a 1.10 ERA and recorded 49 strikeouts in 32 2/3 innings this season.

The Guardians have continued shuffling their bullpen during a crucial stretch, with the organization recently making additional changes to its relief corps.

Cleveland entered Sunday at 72-71, sitting 2.5 games behind the Chicago White Sox in the AL Central while chasing the final American League Wild Card spot.

Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt (12) Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

That context makes every roster decision increasingly important as the regular season moves toward its final weeks.

For Peterson, the demotion does not take away from a memorable first appearance in the majors. Instead, the move appears to be about maintaining bullpen flexibility after his 31-pitch outing.

Aleman now gets another opportunity to contribute at the major league level as Cleveland looks to protect its postseason position.

With little room for error in the Wild Card race, the Guardians are continuing to prioritize fresh arms and bullpen depth whenever possible.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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