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sports12h ago
Guardians Staff Confident Cade Smith Will Recover Following Early-Season Issues
- Cade Smith has command and control issues early in 2026, though his fastball remains elite, according to Stephen Vogt.
- Smith owns a 4.50 ERA and 1.40 WHIP through 10 spring-like innings in 2026 for the Guardians.
- Vogt said Smith is not 100% yet and opponents’ at-bats were exceptional in the April 16 relief outing.
- Smith excelled in advanced metrics in 2024 and 2025, reinforcing his high-ceiling status as a reliever.
- The Guardians will keep Smith in a high-leverage role as he works back to his peak form.
- Cleveland plans more opportunities for Smith as he recovers, with the team remaining confident in his abilities.
- Cleveland’s next game after April 16 featured a four-outing set against the Orioles.
- Cade Smith’s early-season struggles are juxtaposed with his past peak performance in 2024 and 2025.
- Vogt credited Smith for handling late-inning duties well since transitioning to closer last year.
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