Franco Aleman: Everything you need to know

The Guardians optioned Aleman to Triple-A Columbus on Sunday, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports. Aleman struggled to a 7.85 ERA over 36.2 innings at Columbus last season, so it's hardly a surprise he'll return there to begin 2026. The 25-year-old has yet to make his MLB debut and will need significantly better results to have a chance of changing that this year.

Triple-A Columbus reinstated Aleman (hip) from its 7-day injured list Monday. Aleman has been cleared to make his 2025 debut after he required a left hip inguinal hernia repair in February. The 24-year-old right-hander is regarded as one of the Guardians' top reliever prospects and was added to the 40-man roster over the winter after submitting a 1.99 ERA and 34:10 K:BB in 22.2 innings with Columbus in 2024.

The Guardians optioned Aleman (abdomen) to Triple-A Columbus on Saturday. Aleman is working his way from hernia surgery in late February. He'll start the 2025 campaign in Triple-A once he's fully recovered from the procedure, but he could see some time in the majors should the Guardians need a right-handed option out of the bullpen. Aleman played 24 games in Triple-A during the 2024 regular season and posted a 1.99 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, two saves and a 34:10 K:BB across 22.2 innings.