Should The Guardians Bring Back This Fan Favorite Starting Pitcher?

The Cleveland Guardians need another starting pitcher and Carlos Carrasco is available to pick up.

The story of the season for the Cleveland Guardians has been the number of injuries the starting rotation has sustained. Triston McKenzie, Shane Bieber, Cal Quantrill, Aaron Civale (when he was with the team), and Peyton Battenfield all made starts for the Guardians while spending time on the IL.

Cleveland's rookies of Tanner Bibee, Logan Allen, Gavin Williams, and Xzavion Curry have been tremendous considering the situation they've been put in. Still, the team needs another starting pitcher to help them get to the end of the season.

The Guardians tried bringing in former All-Star Noah Syndergaard to eat some innings. However, Thor gave up way too many home runs and was DFA's on Sunday evening ending his tenure in Cleveland.

One pitcher just hit the market who the organization may have an interest in bringing because he came up with Cleveland. This pitcher is fan-favorite Carlos Carrasco.

Sep 20, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco (59) during the sixth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Carrasco spent the first 11 years of his career with Cleveland and was a solid piece of their rotation during this time. He had an ERA of 3.77 over 242 appearances and even pitched 11 complete games.

Cookie was sent to the New York Mets as a part of the blockbuster Francisco Lindor trade. His time with New York wasn't great. Carrasco suffered injuries and was inconsistent during his three years in the Big Apple which ended with him being placed on waivers on Tuesday.

This means the Guardians have a chance at picking him up.

The move doesn't make a ton of sense If you look at purely the numbers. Carrasco made 20 starts in 2023 posting a 6.80 ERA and 1.700 WHIP and is clearly passed his prime, but could still be serviceable in the right role. 

Making a handful of starts over the final month of the season while being a positive presence for a young rotation is a fair reason to look past his stats when considering the impact Carrasco can have on a team.

Plus, fans would welcome Cookie back with open arms making this a win-win for both sides. 

----

Read More:

Guardians Rookie Sensation Gavin Williams Leaves Sart Against Twins Prematurely

Oscar Gonzalez Dealing With Same Struggles As Guardians Evaluate Future of Their Outfield

Could The Guardians Be A Contender To Trade For Pete Alonso?

Josh Naylor To Start Rehab Assignment For Guardians

Guardians Season Could Come Down To Series With Twins

Be sure to stay locked into Cleveland Baseball Insider all the time:

SUBSCRIBE to the CBI YouTube channel

Follow Cleveland Baseball Insider on Twitter: @CBI_FanNation

Photo Credit © Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports