Cincinnati (AP) — The guardian of Cleveland needs someone to take Ben Lively’s place in the rotation. In Saturday's Guardian debut, right-handed Slade Cecconi showed he might be that guy.

Cecconi allowed five hits in three innings in five innings, including Will Benson's solo homer, to lose 4-1 to the Reds.

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He also tied for career-highest pitcher with eight no walks, becoming the third Guardian pitcher, recording eight or more strikeouts instead of hitting his team debut, joined Tanner Bibee in 2023 and Floyd Weaver in 1962.

“I don’t think we can ask for more from Slade,” said Stephen Vogt, manager of The Guardian. "We've been the first to start since last year, and it's our first real start. Excellent work. Give us a chance to win. He really used his own mix tonight."

The 27-year-old Cecconi suffered from left tilt during spring training. He started with three minor league recovery, 0-2 in 13 innings with a score of 4.85 ERA.

"I really didn't see him pitching a lot," Vogt said. "A little bit we saw in the spring, we saw a lot of hope and a lot of good things."

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The guardian acquired Cecconi from Arizona in December in exchange for first baseman Josh Naylor. Although this is his first major league start since September 11, 2024, he didn't show much rust on Saturday, only having six strikeouts in four innings before Benson's home run.

"Whenever you make your first appearance in a while, there's something annoying," Secconi said. "I've been thinking about this. My leaning problem happened in March. There was some anxiety."

Lively was placed on the 15-day IL on May 13 and plans to visit Dr. Keith Meister on Tuesday. Vogt said the surgery has not been excluded.

"What we knew a few days ago was the same, he had flexor stress," Vogt said before Saturday's game. "We want to make sure we check each box and have another opinion on what happened. We need to do what is best for his career."

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Vogt will not name Cecconi as Lively's replacement in the rotation, but admits Saturday's outing is a step in that direction.

"Obviously, we need to fill this position and Slade does a great job," Vogt said. "We always think about options. When you lose someone like Ben Lively, it's the next guy, and Slade took the opportunity and ran tonight."